Royal Oak Schools is proud to celebrate a remarkable achievement by one of our own—Carrie Laurence, school counselor at Royal Oak Middle School (ROMS), has been named a 2025 Counselor of the Year by the Oakland Counseling Association (OCA).
This annual award honors exceptional school counselors who demonstrate unwavering dedication, impactful leadership, and a deep commitment to student success. Carrie Laurence exemplifies all of these qualities and more. With her student-first mindset, compassionate approach, and steadfast support of students' emotional and academic development, she has made a profound difference in the lives of many at ROMS.
While the formal recognition will take place at the Oakland Counseling Association’s annual spring meeting on April 25, Royal Oak Middle School is taking the opportunity to celebrate Carrie in a special way—right here at home. Staff and students gathered to surprise her with a heartfelt celebration of her achievements and her lasting contributions to the school community.
“We are thrilled to see Carrie’s hard work and heart for students recognized in such a significant way,” said Kristin Meldrum, Principal of Royal Oak Middle School. “She is truly deserving of this award and is an integral part of what makes ROMS a supportive and inclusive school environment.”
Carrie’s recognition is a reflection of the Royal Oak Schools mission: to create an inclusive, diverse, safe, and student-first environment. Her dedication embodies our district’s commitment to developing growth-minded students who are supported by educators devoted to their well-being and success.
Please join us in congratulating Carrie Laurence on this well-deserved honor—and in thanking her for all that she does for the #ROSCommunityofExcellence.