FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACT: ANAKAREN UREÑO
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT
949-497-7700 EXT. 5232

 
December 18, 2024

Laguna Beach Unified School District Director Michael Keller named School Counseling Advocate of the Year

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. – The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) has named Michael Keller, Ed.D., Director of Social and Emotional Support for the Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), as the School Counseling Advocate of the Year in the 2024-2025 Orange County Counselor Recognition Program.

Now in its sixth year, the OC Counselor Recognition Program — led by OCDE — aims to recognize the county’s top school counselors and their advocates serving TK-12 schools and community colleges for their commitment to young learners’ academic, emotional, and social development. Winners are nominated by their peers, who provide detailed descriptions of the nominees’ contributions and impact. A committee then reviews nominations, evaluating candidates based on their demonstrated leadership, innovation, and advocacy for the counseling profession.

"Since the inception of his role, Dr. Keller has been instrumental in spearheading the implementation of a comprehensive system of support in LBUSD,” said LBUSD Superintendent Jason Viloria, Ed.D. “His advocacy for student well-being and the professional growth of our counseling team reflects his strong commitment to advancing excellence in education."

In her nomination, Laguna Beach High School Counselor Alexis Mele highlighted Dr. Keller’s commitment to fostering a comprehensive counseling program, stating, “Dr. Keller’s dedication to continuous learning, alignment across the district, and support for Recognized American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Model Program (RAMP) designation goals ensures that students receive the highest standard of support.” She also emphasized that his active involvement in the American School Counselor Association, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, and the California Association of School Counselors, combined with his guidance and encouragement, has inspired a culture of growth and excellence within his team.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized as the 2025 Orange County Counseling Advocate of the Year. This award reflects the incredible work of our dedicated school counselors, who go above and beyond to support students’ academic, social, emotional, and college and career success,” said Dr. Keller. “For me, advocacy means empowering our staff to bring their best selves to the students and families they serve, and I am inspired every day by our team members' commitment to fostering environments where all students can thrive” he concluded. 

Dr. Keller will be formally recognized at the Orange County Counselor Symposium on February 5, 2025, in Anaheim, where education leaders and advocates will come together to celebrate excellence in school counseling and share strategies to support student success. To learn more about Laguna Beach Unified School District and stay updated on district news, visit www.lbusd.org, follow @LagunaBeachUSD on Instagram, and subscribe to the district newsletter. 

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