Diana Virgil

2024 School Counselor of the Year

Dr. Diana Virgil is a distinguished professional, holding the prestigious title of the 2024 School Counselor of the Year as conferred by the American School Counselor Association. She is recognized as an ASCA-Certified School Counselor, National Board-Certified Counselor, National Certified School Counselor and has held a school counselor certification in the states of Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.
 
With an academic foundation rooted in Psychology and Biology, Dr. Virgil earned her Bachelor of Science degree, followed by a Master of Education in School Counseling and an Education Specialist in Counseling, all from Mississippi College. Her academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision with a Leadership emphasis from the University of the Cumberlands in 2023. Her doctoral dissertation delved into the intricate dynamics of middle school counselors responding to cyberbullying incidents within social media.
 
Dr. Virgil brings a wealth of experience to her role, having served as a school counselor, associate licensed counselor, and adjunct instructor. She has imparted knowledge in several courses, including counseling diverse populations, introduction to school counseling, group counseling, legal and ethical issues, and human growth and development.
 
Her professional journey spans nine years in the field of education and school counseling. Beyond her accomplishments, Dr. Virgil has actively contributed to the counseling community. She has served as the Region Liaison for the Georgia School Counselor Association (GSCA), participated in various committees for GSCA, engaged in focus groups for ASCA, and contributed to groups/committees for the Mississippi School Counseling Association. Her commitment to mentorship, publications in esteemed outlets like the Beacon, ACT’s Leadership Blog, Forbes, and recognition as the 2022 Secondary School Counselor of the Year and later the 2023 Alabama School Counselor of the Year by the Alabama School Counseling Association showcase her dedication to the profession. In addition to her roles and accolades, Dr. Virgil currently serves on the Alabama Board of Directors.
 
Outside of her professional pursuits, Diana finds her passion in providing counseling services to individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, anger, grief, and more. Diana also enjoys photography, travel, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and niece. Diana Virgil stands as a beacon of excellence and leadership in the field of school counseling, and she is grateful for the opportunity to serve as your National 2024 School Counselor of the Year.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Authentically You
September 30, 2024 | 10:00am
In this session, Diana Virgil, 2024 School Counselor of the Year, highlights the barriers she experienced in her school counseling career and how she opened doors through collaboration, authenticity and vulnerability. Diana shares how honesty, openness and transparency enable her personal growth and ensure she shows up for her students. Diana’s personal journey offers lessons in identifying and overcoming obstacles and having the courage to be vulnerable.

After attending this session, you will be able to:

• Learn how to identify obstacles in yourself and in your students
• Realize the significance of vulnerability and tackling challenges to promote personal growth
• Understand the impact of collaboration in the school building and community

BREAKOUT SESSION
Data-Informed Dialogues
September 30, 2024 | 2:30pm
Uncover the power of data to tell your school counseling story. In this session, Diana Virgil, 2024 School Counselor of the Year, focuses on using data to collaborate with other team members to reach shared goals toward student success.

After attending this session, you will be able to:

• Recognize the significance of data accessibility, especially when you need it quickly to make your case
• Translate school counselor terminology and program details into easily understandable content for different audiences, including administrators, teachers, families and more
• Learn how to establish common ground for collaboration and shared understanding

Brian Coleman

Mr. Brian Coleman was the 2019 National School Counselor of the Year and the first African-American winner of this prestigious honor. He was also a 2019 Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Upstander Award recipient for his commitment to LGBTQA+ youth advocacy. He is in his eleventh year with Jones College Prep where he has served as Counseling Department Chair for six years. He is also an Adjunct Professor at DePaul University and one-half of the Candid Counselors podcasting duo with 2021 National School Counselor of the Year Olivia Carter. He also sits on the Educational Advisory Board for Responsibility.org.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS
The YOU in Unicorn
October 1, 2024 | 8:00am
As school counselors, we often recognize our students’ strengths… but can we do the same for ourselves? Moreover, can we use this recognition to make an impact?  Brian Coleman, 2019 ASCA School Counselor of the Year, believes that accessing our own “unicorn qualities” is key to creating a welcoming environment for students to be their best, most authentic selves! In this keynote, Brian Coleman, 2019 ASCA School Counselor of the Year, will share nuggets from his unicorn journey and strategies on how you can leverage what makes you special to support the communities you serve.  

Participants will:

• Reflect critically on themselves and their counseling identities 
• Set goals for their continued personal and professional development

BREAKOUT SESSION
Unicorns Unite: Strategies to Connect
October 3, 2023 | 2:10pm
So, you're seeing unicorns, huh? Everywhere, right? Great! Now what? How do you continue relationship-building with your students and school community stakeholders?!  Brian Coleman, 2019 ASCA School Counselor of the Year, will discuss various strategies to build meaningful connections with various school stakeholders. 

Participants will:

• Review theoretical structures that support relationship cultivation 
• Assess counseling program elements that can enhance your relationship-building strategies 
• Identify tiered engagement strategies to use with parents/guardians, staff, and community partners