Blanton Elementary School Counselor is named PCS Student Services Employee of the Year

Jan. 19, 2023

Debra Holland, a School Counselor at Blanton Elementary, is this year’s Student Services Employee of the Year.

Holland, who has worked in Pinellas County Schools for more than 24 years, goes above and beyond to support students.

She is an engaged SAVE Club sponsor, hosts counselor interns, serves as a new counselor mentor, and helps the Counseling Department write curriculum.

Last year, Holland served as a mentor to encourage students to do their best on state assessments.

“If you just can make even the smallest difference in one person's life, you've done your job," she said.

Holland shared that students have returned to her school years later to let her know the impact she has had on them.

She takes pride in that and in being someone her students can confide in.

“They know they can come to me, and they trust in me and that I'll be there for them,” she said.