Last year, Tripp Crayton, principal, nominated Dr. Laura Inscoe, Dean of students, for WCPSS Counselor of the Year. In 2013, Inscoe was named the WCPSS Counselor of Year. Her 2013 nomination did not end that year, this year, the North Carolina School Counseling Association (NCSCA) nominated Inscoe as the National Counselor of the Year. Inscoe’s dedication to her profession landed her as a top sixteen semi-finalist.  After being nominated by as National Counselor of the Year, Inscoe earned a trip to the White House on January 30 where she was honored by First Lady, Michelle Obama.

“Dr. Inscoe is extremely caring, well organized, and has an enormous amount of enthusiasm,” said Crayton. “She does a great job reaching out to all students, parents, and the community; she’s just an overall go-getter. She’s definitely someone you want in your building because of all of the enthusiasm she displays and care she has for Wakefield.”

Inscoe is respected among her colleagues, including counselor Jasmine Bates.

“Dr. Inscoe is very positive, forward-thinking, and encouraging,” said Bates. “Whenever we have a new idea, she always supports us. She also takes the time to get to know everyone. She’s Dr. Inscoe, everyone loves her.”

Inscoe’s excitement to share her experience was enticing. She reflects on the process that brought her to The White House.

“There were were about thirty five counselors nationwide who were represented,” said Inscoe. “We all sent in a portfolio and they decided from that. It was pretty extensive; you had to include a video and information about what you do, the decisions you make, how accomplished you are at certain things, and how thorough you are within your field.”

The finalists and semi-finalists stayed at a hotel in Georgetown, and each nominee was able to bring one guest along with them. Inscoe brought her husband, Danny Inscoe, as her guest.

Prior to visiting the White House, the counselors and the NCSCA board of directors had a brunch at the hotel.

Afterwards, they took a bus to the White House.

“We went through several checkpoints, and once we got in, we had the whole bottom floor,” said Inscoe. “The bottom floor has all of the First Ladies’ stuff, including: portraits, and things they left behind, like china patterns or memoirs. The second floor was also all open to us. So we had our roam of the place we could walk around and see things.”

After having the opportunity to tour the White House, First Lady Michelle Obama and actress Connie Britton spoke to all of the counselors.

“Mrs. Obama talked to us about how much she appreciated what we do, how valued we are, and how she was so excited to honor us,” said Inscoe.

After, the counselors were taken to the Press Room. There they stood on risers and listened to speeches given by Britton and Mrs. Obama.

“Connie Britton spoke, then Mrs. Obama spoke, and then the National Counselor of the Year was named,” said Inscoe. “Standing on the risers and looking out it was just like what you see on television; there was CNN, FOX news, and all of these news broadcasters there taking pictures and it was like you were on a red carpet.”

According to Inscoe, the White House chef prepared a huge spread of food and had a military band perform.

Later, when the counselors left the White House, they went to Union Station.

“They entertained us and truly every detail was exquisite, beautiful, and perfect,” said Inscoe. “It was one of those things where every thirty minutes I made a point to step back, and soak it in because I knew I’ll never have this opportunity again; it was just unbelievable.”

The NCSCA rewarded the nominees with a trip to the White House in effort to recognize exceptional counselors, and Inscoe appreciated every moment of the recognition.

“It was truly an awesome experience and it was great to represent my profession,” said Inscoe. “I love people, I love working with students, and implementing new programs, and seeing students grow and graduate.”