Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools was closed by winter weather on Feb. 2, the beginning of National School Counseling Week, but was thawed by Feb. 6 in time to host surprise announcements for the three 2026 School Counselors of the Year.

Each year, the district celebrates these outstanding educators – from elementary, middle/K-8 and high school – and highlights the critical role they play at every level of education. They make a tremendous impact by helping all students achieve school success and plan for a career. 

This year’s winners are:

• Elementary School Counselor of the Year | Zahil Caraballo, Croft Community School
• Middle School Counselor of the Year | Sonja Glover, Wilson STEM Academy
• High School Counselor of the Year | Traci Marsh, Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology

The winners are among the estimated 450 school counselors in CMS who are certified/licensed educators, and there are counselors assigned to every school. They implement comprehensive school counseling programs and work to deliver proactive, data-driven core and supplemental support that addresses students’ social-emotional, academic and college-career development.

“I think it’s really important for everyone to know that school counselors are valuable, and they really care about students,” said Angela

Poovey, school counseling coordinator. “Sometimes they’re the only adult in the building that is really a trusted person that can work with students and help them feel safe and successful at school.”

Zahil Caraballo, Elementary School Counselor of the Year

Zahil Caraballo, a school counselor at Croft Community School, has worked in education for 15 years and has been a counselor in CMS for eight years. She was nominated because of her unwavering commitment to create a safe, supportive and student-centered environment and to go above and beyond to ensure every student at Croft feels seen, valued and supported. 

Caraballo’s collaboration with staff, proactive involvement in MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) and dedication to building positive relationships have had a significant impact on our school community. “Her work reflects not only professionalism, but genuine care and passion for helping students thrive,” nominators said. “She is an integral part of the school community, and our staff, students and families depend on her for her steady patience and positivity. She is truly irreplaceable.” 

Sonja Glover, Middle School Counselor of the Year

Sonja Glover, a school counselor at Wilson STEM Academy, has spent 28 years in education, 21 of those in CMS. She was nominated because she demonstrates strong alignment with a comprehensive school counseling program by delivering engaging classroom lessons and facilitating data-driven small groups and individual sessions that address academic, behavioral and social‑emotional needs.

Her nominators were inspired by Glover’s unwavering dedication, compassion and deep care for every student and staff member she supports. Many described her as selfless, highly deserving and an essential part of the school whose impact is felt daily. They said, “Her professionalism, strong communication and willingness to show up for others make the school run more smoothly and strengthen the entire community.”

Traci Marsh, High School Counselor of the Year

Traci Marsh, a school counselor at Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology, has 15 years of experience, seven of those in CMS. She consistently demonstrates leadership, initiative and a deep commitment to student success. She leads all classroom guidance instruction, ensuring lessons are developmentally appropriate, data‑driven and aligned with school counseling standards.

Marsh maintains strong collaborative relationships with parents, colleges, community partners and students — especially in postsecondary planning and scholarship support, nominators said. She plays a vital role in guiding students through scholarship opportunities, applications and college‑readiness processes, ensuring equitable access for all learners. They said, “Traci naturally steps into leadership roles. ... Her professionalism, reliability and willingness to lead make her an invaluable member of the counseling department.”