Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) has announced that Lydia Larimore, a counselor at Neabsco Elementary School, is a finalist for the American School Counselor Association’s 2026 National School Counselor of the Year Award.
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) has named five finalists for its 2026 awards, recognizing professionals who support student success academically, socially, and emotionally. The finalists include Leka Anitema of Maui High School, Danielle Crankfield of Crofton High School, Annie Goldberg of Broadview Middle School, Lydia Larimore of Neabsco Elementary School, and Summer Royale Whittington of Ernest Gallet Elementary School. According to ASCA, the finalists were selected by a committee comprising principals, counselors, and education organization representatives based on leadership, advocacy, program innovation, and student impact. The winner will be announced in late fall.
According to Prince William County Public Schools on YouTube, Neabsco Elementary’s counseling program provides academic and social-emotional support for students through data-driven initiatives and structured mentorship programs. Larimore leads small group activities such as life skills lessons and coordinates with teachers and administrators to align programs with student needs. The program tracks outcomes like attendance and behavior, with several strategies implemented in other schools in Virginia. Programs are regularly reviewed and adjusted to ensure students receive tailored support.
Neabsco Elementary School is located at 3800 Cordell Ave. in Woodbridge, Virginia. Led by Principal Brooke Levecchi, the school focuses on leadership, confidence, and community engagement while emphasizing high expectations and inclusive practices.
PWCS is the second-largest school division in Virginia and the 32nd largest in the nation. It serves over 90,000 students across various educational levels and offers numerous academic specialty programs. Under Superintendent Dr. LaTanya D. McDade’s leadership, PWCS reports a 94.3% on-time graduation rate and over $123 million in scholarships for the class of 2024.
