Jan 09, 2017 04:58 AM EST By Beth Golden, UniversityHerald Reporter

Last Friday, Michelle Obama gave her final speech as First Lady of the United States of America and recognized this year's School Counsellor of the Year.

The American School Counselor Association chose the School Counselor of the Year from school counsellors from all 50 states. This year's awardee, reported by Time, is Terri Tchorzynski, 37, from the Calhoun Area Career Center in Battle Creek, Michigan.

The recognition is given to the school counsellor who exhibited leadership skills and have made contributions to student achievement by implementing creative and effective counseling programs.

In 2015, the first lady began the annual tradition of recognizing school counsellors as part of her Reach Higher initiative, a move to encourage young people to pursue higher education after high school. Mrs. Obama promised to champion this cause even after they have left the White House.

Ms. Tchorzynski, mother of 2 and a former high school English teacher has been a high school counsellor for 7 years. She recognizes the important role school counsellors have from her own experience and is in awe of the recognition she received. Terri said she just loves her job and does her best to do it well everyday.

Jill Cook, assistant director of the American School Counselor Association said that Terri Tchorzynski have done great work in the Calhoun Area Career Center that helps high school students focus on their next steps in education considering their career preferences.

Ms. Cook cited an example of Terri Tchorzynski's exemplary contribution to the lives of students with one of the emergency medical technician (EMT) graduated of the Calhoun Area Career Center who is now planning to pursue medicine after Terri arranged job-shadowing programs at one of the local hospitals.

Assistant director Cook also noted the importance of destigmatizing technical education as an alternative to a 4-year college degree, noting it is equally important. Both President Obama and the first lady emphasized the value of technical education.

According to the White House, Mrs. Obama will giver her speech in the East Room. Also speaking in the event are: Education Secretary John B. King Jr., former Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Friday Night Light's actress Connie Britton, 2016 School Counselor of the Year Katherine Pastor, and First-Generation Baltimore Founder Verlando Brown.

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