Awards

Each year we gather nominations from the KCA Regions & Divisions.  They are all entered as nominees into the KCA Counselor of the Year Award.  In addition to the KCA Counselor of the Year, we have a Distinguished Service Award and a Hall of Fame Award. 

 KCA 2024 Counselor of the Year Eligibility:

Nominations due by Friday, January 26, 2025.

• The nominee must currently be employed as a full-time counselor, counselor educator, or in counseling-related service, and have completed three consecutive years in counseling, counselor education or counseling-related service at the time of nomination.
• The nominee must hold a minimum of a master’s degree in counseling or a related degree and be certified and/or licensed by the state.
• Nominee must be a current member of KCA.
• Nominee must demonstrate outstanding leadership and/or performance during the current year or within the past three years. 

• The nominee should possess the personal qualities thought to be desirable in a counselor, counselor educator, or counseling-related professional.
• The nominee must have been responsible for innovations in counseling, counselor education, or counseling-related program, for providing leadership in the further development of existing services, for demonstrating leadership in professional counseling associations, and for performing an outstanding service to the work place or community.
• The activities or accomplishments recognized must have taken place within three years prior to the date of nomination.

Hall of Fame KCA Award Eligibility:

Nominations due by Friday, February 2, 2025.

• The nominee must be in retirement, approaching retirement, or deceased.
• Nominee must have been a member of KCA.
• Nominee must have been responsible for activities related to counseling, counselor education, or counseling-related service in Kansas
• The nominee should possess the personal qualities thought to be desirable in a counselor, counselor educator, or counseling-related professional.

• Development of programs
• Innovations in counseling, counselor education, or counseling related programs.
• Initiation or improvement in counseling, counselor education, or counseling-related services.

Questions/Concerns can be sent to Kris Burkholder (KCA Awards Chair) at burkhkri@usd408.com or call (316) 218-3014.

Check out some of our past KCA Award Winners below.