Kauaʻi middle school counselor named 2025 Hawai‘i School Counselor of the Year

Noelani Butcher of Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School in Līhuʻe was named the 2025 Hawai‘i School Counselor of the Year by the American School Counselor Association.

The association’s School Counselor of the Year award honors professionals who devote their careers to advocating for the nation’s students and addressing their academic and social-emotional development and college and career readiness needs. Honorees were judged based on their ability to create systemic change within the school counseling profession.

“School counselors have a tremendous impact in guiding our students in and outside of the classroom,” said Superintendent Keith Hayashi. “Congratulations to Noelani for being a great example of providing students with easy and inclusive ways to get the support they need to succeed in school.”

Butcher, who oversees eighth graders, said helping students reach their potential and provide them with support and guidance at school is the most rewarding part of her job.

“When I get to hear students talk about how they have overcome a personal challenge and talk about their future positively because of the guidance I provided them – that is the reason I am so passionate about counseling,” she said.

Butcher shared that middle school can be an “awkward time when students navigate the terrain, experience personal growth, and build relationships,” therefore she created two programs on campus to give students a sense of belonging.

The Needs Closet is a pantry of food, hygiene items and school supplies aimed to meet students’ needs. She also worked with a local food bank to provide free snacks for all students at the school.

“My ultimate goal was to strengthen our school’s academic achievement by encouraging healthy eating and providing nutritious snack options for our students,” Butcher said, adding that since delivering fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy snacks daily to students, teachers have reported that students are more attentive in class and ready to learn.

Another program she started was “Da Gameroom,” a space where students can socialize and have fun during recess. In Da Gameroom, students can play air hockey, ping pong and pool for more opportunities to socialize.

“Not all students like to play sports or walk around during their recess time. Da Gameroom is a safe space where all students are welcome to play and meet new people,” she said.

Butcher, along with the other 2025 school counselors of the year, were recognized in an American School Counselor Association ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 30.

Butcher has been a school counselor since 2011 and holds a bachelor’s degree in General Education and a master’s degree in Special Education from the University of North Texas. She also has a master’s degree in Psychology-School Counseling from the University of Texas A&M and earned her National Board Certification from the American School Counseling Association in 2014.

National School Counseling Week 2025 is celebrated Feb. 3-7, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems.