Shaler Area Elementary School counselor chosen as top in state for 2020

A longtime Shaler Area Elementary School counselor was named the top counselor in Pennsylvania for her efforts to foster kindness and acceptance in her young students.

Lezlie DelVecchio-Marks was chosen as the state’s School Counselor of the Year by the Pennsylvania School Counselors Association (PSCA) during the group’s annual conference Dec. 3.

“I’m humbled and super excited,” said DelVecchio-Marks, a 1994 Shaler Area graduate and counselor for 19 years.

Currently at Burchfield and Reserve primary schools, DelVecchio-Marks has worked to create programs that spur inclusivity and positive self-worth.

One program example is “No Name-Calling Week,” which focuses lessons on accepting differences.

“We strive to remind kids how important it is to be mindful of what is said to others, because unkind words can leave long-lasting scars and pain that last longer than physical hurt,” DelVecchio-Marks said.

During the theme week at both schools, there is a “mix it up lunch” where the students are handed random numbers and encouraged to sit at the lunch table that matches it. The activity allows students to meet new friends, often from different grade levels, and fosters new conversations.

DelVecchio-Marks and Principal Jeff Rojik facilitate introductions and conversation starters to break the ice.

Other programs the counselor supports each year include Gratitude Week and Career Day. She also has created opportunities for students to build self-respect and coping skills, hosted parent workshops and provided regular outreach to families.

An ardent believer in self-esteem, DelVecchio-Marks facilitates a group of third-graders called “Girls Rock,” featuring lessons and activities centered around self-respect, self-acceptance, friendship skills and body-image.

The group discusses photoshopped images and talk about how that can distort people’s vision of beauty.

“We focus many of our discussions about loving and accepting ourselves, our strengths, talents and unique gifts while attempting to appreciate our own natural beauty,” she said.

As a followup, she organized “no makeup day” for the staff in order to reinforce messages of female empowerment.

“As a bonus, I wrote positive and inspiring messages in washable marker on all of the bathroom mirrors, boys and girls, to remind everyone of their value and worth,” she said.

Last year, DelVecchio-Marks choreographed a performance of students and staff singing “This is Me” from the film “The Greatest Showman.”

“It further reinforced the message of accepting others while loving our own selves/uniqueness,” she said.

Students volunteered to sing, dance, create artwork and work on the stage crew.

Staff members also learned the dance moves and rehearsed before and after school and during lunch with participating students.

“We were able to perform, staff and students, united in a message of acceptance and hope during our school’s “Showcase Night” in front of families,” she said. “I was so proud of the amount of support I received for this endeavor and the pride that the students showed. It was truly beautiful, and I’m forever grateful.”

This year, DelVecchio-Marks created a virtual performance as a chance to spread hope, self-love and acceptance despite the challenge of not being in school physically.

As the Counselor of the Year, DelVecchio-Marks will represent the state during the annual American School Counselor Association Gala in February 2022 in Washington, D.C., where a nationwide Counselor of the Year will be named from the 50 state representatives.

Shaler Area Superintendent Sean Aiken believes DelVecchio-Marks is a fitting recipient of the award. Not only is she a relentless advocate for students and families, she is passionate about the role of a school counselor within a district, he said.

“This award honors her work with students, families, teachers and administrators and sheds a tremendously positive light on Shaler Area School District,” Aiken said.

DelVecchio-Marks earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in school counseling from Duquesne University.

“I am fortunate to work with amazing staff members, administrators and families who continuously encourage my efforts to support my students’ career, academic and social-emotional success,” she said. “There are so many school counselors across the state who do amazing work for children. I’m humbled to be considered among them.”