IRMO – Irmo High School’s director of school counseling Dorothya Nero has been selected as the 2025 School Counselor of the Year in South Carolina by the Palmetto State School Counselor Association (PSSCA).
The award is given annually to a school counselor who has demonstrated their ability to provide leadership in executing a comprehensive school counseling program impacting students, the community and other stakeholders.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized as the 2025 Palmetto State School Counselor Association Outstanding School Counselor of the Year,” Nero said. “To be acknowledged by my peers across the state of South Carolina is truly humbling and meaningful. This award is a testament to the heart and soul I pour into my work every day, and it reaffirms my belief that school counseling is the intersection where my purpose, passion, and profession meet. This recognition fuels my commitment to continue advocating for and supporting the students, families, and Irmo community that I serve.”
Nero has been a school counselor for 17 years. This is her seventh year as Director of School Counseling at Irmo High School.
“Ms. Nero is a true professional and is an example others should strive to emulate in offering the highest level of counseling services to all students at Irmo High School,” said Irmo High School Principal Dr. Kaaren Hampton. “I am not surprised that she has been recognized by her peers to receive this prestigious award. It is an honor to work alongside her, learning from her daily, as she creates programming and resources which ensure that the students at Irmo High School are college and career ready.”
