SMITHFIELD – Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) Lead School Counselor Kim Lewter has been awarded the JCPS 2024 Employee of the Year for Curriculum, Instruction, and Accountability. She has been in the position for 2 years and has been with the school district for 18 years.
Lewter grew up in Garner and attended North Carolina State University (NCSU) as a North Carolina Teaching Fellow, a premier scholarship program for aspiring STEM and Special Education teachers. She later earned a Master of Education in School Counseling at Campbell University.
Being a school counselor wasn’t on her radar initially. In high school, Lewter loved science, specifically biology, and planned on teaching that. “I enjoyed public school and knew I wanted to be involved in that work.” One day during an enrichment class at NCSU, a JCPS school counselor came to speak about their role in schools. At the time she was captivated by the psychology class she was taking. That interest, coupled with the JCPS school counselor’s visit, Lewter shifted her focus.
In 2006, after she graduated from Campbell University, she bought a house in Johnston County because of the proximity to the mountains, coast, and family. A job opportunity came available with the school district, and Lewter began her career at West Johnston High where she spent four years as the school counselor. Then in 2010, Cleveland High opened its doors and she transitioned there spending 12 years as the school counselor.
Now as Lead Counselor, Lewter shares her knowledge and expertise with the counselors throughout the school district. Being in the schools for the majority of her career, Lewter knows how hard everyone is working to help the children succeed. Additionally, over the last two years in the Curriculum, Instruction, and Accountability Department, she has seen the intentional ways her colleagues support the children.
The most fulfilling part of her role is helping students with scholarships, internships, apprenticeships, and even classes that spark their interest in potential careers. “I enjoy connecting students with opportunities they may not have known about or not have been able to access.” She recalled one student who needed help paying for college. With her help, this student applied for a scholarship, which he got, and attended Elon University. He went to Harvard earning a master’s degree, and is now working on his doctorate at NCSU. In an article written about him, he thanked the school counselor, Lewter, who helped him get the scholarship. “It will change generations in my family,” he said.
The profession has many dynamics that are critical to students’ success. Lewter sees herself as a concierge, assisting them with post-secondary educational options, parking, yearbooks, and lockers. Another major role of the counselors is supporting students and families through partnerships within the community when facing mental health challenges. “School counselors are there to support all the pieces that make up a student,” she said. “ The trust that families and students place in you is invaluable.” Lewter knows that she can make a difference in the lives of students, their families, and ultimately the community, as a whole.
Even though the school district is growing exponentially, Lewter feels a closeness throughout JCPS. “We still have that small feel where you can pick up the phone and call anyone to answer questions.“ Being accessible to the school counselors is of major importance to her. Even if Lewter is in a meeting, she will step out to take their calls so they feel supported.
When she found out about the award, she was in total disbelief, but like a true leader, Lewter shares the recognition with the 100 counselors she oversees. “I always want to deflect that praise back to them because they are where it’s happening,” she said. “The profession’s goal is to be a proactive leader in schools to impact change in individuals’ lives.”
