GCHS Senior Counselor Diane Harned has been honored with the KCTCS School Counselor/Teacher Pathfinder Award. Presented by ECTC staff in a surprise ceremony, Harned was cheered on by the GCHS Class of 2023. The award goes to one counselor or teacher in each of the system’s 16 college service areas. An overall state winner will be selected from these recipients.
More than 250 individuals were nominated statewide by ECTC faculty, staff, and/or students based on advocacy for attending a KCTCS school, assisting students with their postsecondary path, and providing mentorship. As the winner for the ten-county ECTC service area, Harned was nominated twice, with both nominations coming from former students.
In making the presentation, ECTC’s Cindy Carman called Harned “a true partner because she sees the value of what ECTC offers, and above all, it always has been and always will be about her students. She does everything to ensure that her students can imagine their dreams and can make them come true. We value her dedication to your education and to your future. You have been her inspiration and she is ours."
A surprised and grateful Harned told the crowd of students, “It’s a joy getting up every morning to come here for you all. I love what I do. It gives me inspiration. It gives me hope and I’m excited for what your future holds.”
GCHS Principal Lacy Cox praised her counseling staff and specifically Harned for her work with the senior class.
“She gives her heart to you all. Ms. Harned is a driving force in making sure you all have opportunities and everything you need as you enter the next step of your lives.”