Harrington Counselor Honored with Statewide Award
Mr. Wan is only the sixth male since 2000 to be named school counselor of the year.
Wan will represent Massachusetts as he competes with other state winners from around the country for the 2027 American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) School Counselor of the Year award later this year.
Nominated by Jackie Daley, Principal of Harrington Elementary School, Mr. Wan’s application packet included testimony from a teacher and a parent who shared that “Henry has a rare talent for fostering trust and openness among students. Whether a student is navigating a challenging time or simply needs someone to listen, they know they can turn to him. His approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and respect which allows students to feel safe in expressing themselves.”
Ms. Daley (Principal), wrote “Henry Wan, our dedicated school counselor, is a cornerstone of the Harrington community and a trusted advocate for students and families alike. Deeply committed to supporting the academic, social, and emotional well-being of every child, Henry approaches his work with compassion, professionalism, and clinical expertise. His strong relationships with families reflect his belief that collaboration and empathy are key to student success.
Beyond his counseling role, Henry is an active presence at PTA events and community gatherings, always ready to lend his time and insight. Henry is the visionary behind Harrington’s We Will Belong project, a powerful initiative that fosters connection and celebrates diversity across the school community.
A talented musician, Henry brings creativity and joy to his work, often using music as a tool for healing and connection. Henry’s positivity, deep integrity, and unwavering commitment to equity make him not only an exceptional counselor but also an inspiring leader and colleague.”
The MASCA School Counselor of the Year is sponsored by Wellpoint, a health benefits company based in Woburn. Wellpoint is donating $5,000 to Wan and his school to support programming, equipment, or supplies. “We’re proud to help recognize the exceptional school counselors across Massachusetts who make a meaningful difference in students’ lives,” said David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint. “School counselors play a critical role in supporting students’ mental, emotional, and social well-being, both inside and outside the classroom. As a health benefits company, Wellpoint is committed to supporting educators’ whole health, and we congratulate Mr. Wan and the Harrington Elementary School community on this well-earned honor.”
Liz Class, a 5th grade teacher at Harrington, shared that “Henry’s commitment to children is evident through his interactions with students and their families. He gets to know his students on a personal level, which allows him to anticipate and meet their needs, whether academic or social-emotional. With both children and adults alike, Henry has a way of bringing out the best in those around him, even in the most difficult of situations.” Ms. Class added “ I find collaboration with colleagues to be of utmost importance, and Henry’s eagerness to work together makes him a crucial member of our school team. He brings a valued perspective to the work we do together. Above all, Henry is always willing to help out students and staff alike.”
“The recognition of Henry Wan as the MASCA 2026 School Counselor of the Year is a testament to his exemplary counseling skills, resources and professionalism, earning him admiration from students, parents, faculty, colleagues, and the Harrington Elementary School community,” says MASCA Executive Director Robert Bardwell.
“Henry Wan is only the sixth male since 2000 to be named school counselor of the year and is the first elementary male school counselor ever to receive it,” said Bardwell.
“Every day, my goal as part of the Counseling Department at Harrington Elementary is tohelp my students believe that ‘We All Belong’. Whether pursuing systemic goals like acceptance and belonging school-wide through the K-5 counseling curriculum and playground lessons, advocating for students with special needs, bringing healing to interpersonal conflicts via restorative justice practices, spearheading the unique initiatives of We All Belong Wednesdays and affinity groups, or collaborating with students through empowering student-led groups, I strive to make this goal a reality” stated Wan.
Wan is an inspirational leader and role model whose compassionate and unwavering commitment to students rightfully earned him the title of MASCA 2026 School Counselor of the Year. Henry not only meets criteria for this award, but sets a new standard of excellence in the school counseling field.
MASCA is one of the 50 state affiliates of the American School Counselor Association. For more information about MASCA or the School Counselor of the Year program, please contact Bob Bardwell, Executive Director, at 413.427.5012 or executivedirector@masca.org.