Forsyth County Schools honored its counselors, psychologists and social workers Wednesday morning during the third annual Celebration of Results Breakfast.

Counselors from elementary, middle and high school levels highlighted areas in which their schools have made improvements as part of an effort to address specific problems.

Superintendent Buster Evans praised the counselors for their work.

"Thank you for recognizing there are children who come to our schools who are scared," Evans said.

"Transition is difficult. When children transition in life, having a caring professional who provides guidance can make a difference in helping that child progress academically and in life."

Evans introduced the Georgia School Counselors Association Middle School counselor of the year, Heather Roth, who has been working with the county since 1999.

Roth told the audience of about 100 that counselors last year focused on student attendance, behavior and academic achievement. Staff members then presented the results of their efforts and plans for this school year.

Julie Remenick of Big Creek Elementary said staff would focus on meeting with students and teachers to help those not reaching the requirements on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests, or CRCT.

Little Mill Middle School Counselor Connie Hohulin said she was working with administration and teachers to develop an incentive program to encourage better student attendance.

"Students need to be present to be interested in the learning process," Hohulin said.

South Forsyth High School counselor Stacey Johnson said she was focusing on helping seniors to increase the school's graduation rate.

Susan Atkins, the school district's assistant director for student support services, presented annual counseling results, which included attitude, skills and knowledge levels from every county school.

Evans emphasized the need for school counselors.

"If there had not been somebody in your life who saw potential in you," he said, "you wouldn't be where you are today.

"Because you choose to provide guidance and encouragement ... you encourage young people to choose better for themselves than they would otherwise choose, and that makes a difference."