Community Involvement
Credit Union of Georgia Helps Celebrate Cherokee County Counselor Of The Year
Credit Union of Georgia is happy to congratulation Kati Kong (River Ridge High School) for being named 2022 Counselor of the Year!
River Ridge High School counselor Kati Kong says, in many ways, she sees herself as a Band-Aid. An experienced counselor with a master’s degree in her field, Ms. Kong for 16 years has helped hold students together during their most challenging moments. “I help hold the child together long enough for them to get more extensive and long-term help,” she said. “I put it on myself to ensure these families receive the mental health support they need because it is not an easy process … and mental health is not getting better anytime soon. Each day I come to work I am determined to make someone’s life a little better.”
Ms. Kong believes “consistent love, compassion and resilience are what make every high school counselor stand out as being worthy of recognition.” Ms. Kong was surprised with that recognition for her own dedication to her profession and her care for each of the students she serves. Ms. Kong earlier this year was selected by colleagues as the River Ridge Innovation Zone’s Counselor of the Year in recognition of her outstanding service, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower surprised her with the honor that she’s the Cherokee County School District 2022 Counselor of the Year! Ms. Kong now advances to the statewide Counselor of the Year competition.
“Kati exemplifies #CCSDcares in all that she does each day,” Dr. Hightower said. “The School Board joins me in thanking Kati for her exceptional service and congratulating her on this well-earned honor. Kati has earned high praise from her students, their families and her colleagues for the grace, empathy and love she shows them all, even in stressful situations. She has saved students’ lives. She has mentored her colleagues. She has inspired her community, and she inspires me.”
Credit Union of Georgia, a CCSD Partner, sponsored gifts including an iPad and an engraved plaque for Ms. Kong that were presented by Cherokee Area Manager Jason Blakey, as well as a $50 gift card for her and each of the Innovation Zone Counselors of the Year.
