Franklin Central High School

“In Kindergarten, I was sad and needed a break. Mrs. LaRoche came and got me and helped take my mind off what was going on,” Allison, an Adams Elementary student, shared. When students at Adams Elementary are having a hard day, many of them know exactly where to go. They go see Mrs. Michelle LaRoche.

For Adams’ school counselor, supporting students goes far beyond the classroom. Every conversation, small group, and moment of encouragement is about Making A Difference in the lives of the students she serves.

That commitment was recently recognized on a national level. Adams Elementary received the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation from the American School Counselor Association, a prestigious honor awarded to schools that demonstrate an exemplary, comprehensive counseling program aligned with national standards.

Only about 1,500 schools nationwide have earned the recognition since 2004. To put that in perspective, the National Center for Education Statistics estimates that there are approximately 133,000 schools in the United States, meaning only about 1% of schools receive this recognition.

For Adams Principal Jaci Greig, the recognition reflects the impact Michelle has every day. “Michelle Makes A Difference every day through the relationships she builds with both students and staff,” Greig said. “She is intentional about getting to know students, helping them develop important social-emotional skills, and providing support when challenges arise. She also partners closely with teachers, offering strategies, resources, and encouragement that help staff better support their students.”

Greig says that collaboration strengthens the entire school community. “Her work ensures students have the tools they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom,” she said. “It’s a powerful example of how we support Purposeful Learning through Meaningful Collaboration.”

To many students, what Michelle does is simple. “She is so helpful because she can help with feelings. This helps them solve their problems,” the Adams student Allison continued. Allison remembers a moment from Kindergarten when she felt overwhelmed. Michelle came to get her, gave her space to talk, and helped her take her mind off what was bothering them.

It is moments like those, quiet everyday acts of caring, that define Michelle’s work at Adams Elementary. Ask Principal Greig about Michelle, and the first thing she mentions isn’t programs or processes. “It’s relationships,” she said. “Michelle builds strong, meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families. She helps ensure every child feels supported, valued, and ready to learn.”

That connection is what allows Michelle to make a lasting impact. Students trust her. Teachers collaborate with her. Families know they can turn to her when their children need support. Shelly Pfenninger, an Adams parent, says Michelle helps create the kind of school environment every family hopes for. “She helps create a culture where students feel safe, valued, and supported,” Pfenninger shared. “Students see her as a trusted adult. As a parent, I’m grateful that our school focuses on supporting the whole child. Mrs. LaRoche is incredibly intentional in her work and thoughtful about how she supports students, helping them build the skills they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.”

Michelle’s work focuses on Purposeful Learning as she helps students grow academically, socially, and emotionally through small groups, classroom lessons, and individual support. By using student data and Meaningful Collaboration with staff and families, she ensures students receive the support they need to thrive.

Kelly Anderson, Director of Staff and Student Services, said the national recognition reflects the strength of the counseling program Michelle has helped build. “The RAMP designation is given to schools that have implemented a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the ASCA National Model,” Anderson said. “Earning RAMP reflects a school’s commitment to maintaining a high-quality counseling program that supports student success and aligns with the broader mission of the school and district.”

For Michelle, the recognition is meaningful, but the real reward comes from working with students every day. “Receiving the RAMP designation for Adams helps validate the work that I do with students on a daily basis,” LaRoche said. “For me personally, it shows professional growth and the willingness and need to keep learning and growing.”

She says the most important part of her job is helping students grow in ways that extend far beyond the classroom. “I love working with elementary students because every day brings new laughter, curiosity, and surprises,” LaRoche said. “It’s amazing to watch them learn to get along with others, discover who they are, and light up with pride when their hard work in the classroom pays off.”

At Adams Elementary, Michelle LaRoche’s work is a daily example of the FTCSC’s Mission in action—Making A Difference through Purposeful Learning and Meaningful Collaboration.

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