Park City High Counselors Are the Best in the State — It’s Official!

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City High School’s counseling department has been recognized as the School Counseling Program of the Year by the Utah School Counselor Association (USCA), honoring excellence in supporting student success, well-being and college and career readiness.

Counselors Heather Briley, Pepper Elliott, Kristen Hall, Shannon Hase, Liz Moskal and Dara Smith received the award Friday, November 21, 2025, during USCA’s annual conference.

The statewide recognition celebrates standout school counseling programs that lead with innovation, collaboration and comprehensive student support.

At Park City High School, counselors said their work centers on making sure every student is supported, known and prepared for life after graduation.

“At Park City High School, this means that every student receives intentional, structured support throughout all four years of high school,” the PCHS counseling team said. “School counselors are supporting students in a variety of ways, such as classroom lessons, individual meetings every year of high school, college and career readiness experiences, and schoolwide initiatives.”

They added that belonging and proactive outreach are essential to empowering students to grow and thrive.

“In short, a comprehensive program means we don’t wait for students to come to us — we proactively reach every student with the right support at the right time,” the team said. “Our goal is to ensure that all PCHS students graduate with the academic foundation, emotional skills, and future-ready plans they need to thrive.”

Counselors said the heart of their work lies in supporting students during both milestones and challenges. They described their role as helping students discover who they are, feel connected to their school community and gain confidence in their future.

“The most rewarding part of being a school counselor at Park City High School is getting to walk alongside students as they grow academically, personally, and confidently over their four years with us,” the team said. “PCHS students are curious, driven, and wonderfully diverse in their interests, and it’s a privilege to help them discover who they are and what they want their future to look like.”

Every day brings moments that remind them how powerful small victories can be.

“Whether it’s celebrating a breakthrough in the classroom, supporting a student through a challenging moment, or watching them light up when a college or career path finally ‘clicks,’ those everyday connections are what make this work meaningful,” the team said. “Being a school counselor at PCHS means having the opportunity to make a real impact in a school community that values student well-being, belonging, and authentic relationships, and that is incredibly fulfilling.”

The counselors added that collaboration within their team strengthens support for every student.

“Equally rewarding is the close working relationship we share as a counseling team, which fosters a supportive environment where we collaborate to provide the best possible support for every student,” the team said.

The team said this statewide recognition underscores their ongoing commitment to ensuring every student has someone in their corner. They view the award as validation of both visible and behind-the-scenes support.

“Receiving this award from the Utah School Counselors Association is incredibly meaningful,” the PCHS counseling team said. “It represents more than recognition; it’s a validation of the countless hours our team pours into supporting students, collaborating with staff, and building a program that truly serves every member of our school community.”

More than anything, they said this honor motivates them to continue pushing forward for students.

“Most of all, this recognition inspires us to keep growing, innovating, and advocating for students,” the team said. “It’s a reminder that what we do matters, and that the Park City High School community is stronger because of our shared commitment to student success.”