McCleskey Middle School will become the first Cobb County middle school to receive the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation during a special ceremony June 25 at the American School Counselor Association’s annual conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. McCleskey school counselors Helen Nguyen and Dawn Densmore will represent the school’s outstanding program.

The RAMP designation, awarded to schools whose counseling programs align with the criteria set in the ASCA National Model, recognizes schools that are committed to delivering a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program and creating an exemplary educational environment. More than 400 schools have received the RAMP designation since the program’s inception.

Alan Burkard, ASCA’s 2011-12 president, said this year’s recipients are to be commended for their dedication to serving all students and demonstrating how effective school counseling programs can make a difference in students’ lives. “This year’s RAMP honorees have shown their commitment to students and the school counseling profession,” said Burkard. “This designation distinguishes these schools and encourages school counselors nationwide to continue to strive for success.”

RAMP applications are reviewed once a year by a panel of school counseling professionals. For more information on the program, visit www.ascanationalmodel.org/ramp.

The American School Counselor Association (www.schoolcounselor.org) is a nonprofit organization based in Alexandria, Va. Founded in 1952, ASCA supports school counselors’ efforts to help students focus on academic, personal/social and career development so they not only achieve success in school but are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. The association provides professional development, publications and other resources, research and advocacy to over 30,000 professional school counselors around the globe.

McCleskey’s school counseling program joins the school teams from Lassiter and Walton High Schools as 2012 RAMP award recipients.