Henry Wan was named the 2026 Massachusetts School Counselor of the Year
A full house at Harrington Elementary where Henry Wan is a Guidance Counselor. PHOTO BY MARK BELLINO
L ast month, in a sunny gym during an assembly of Harrington Elementary School students, Henry Wan was named the 2026 Massachusetts School Counselor of the Year.
At the ceremony on January 20, Wan was all smiles, saying, “I am truly honored. I am really moved that I’m being recognized for doing something that I truly love doing. The reason why I’m so passionate about coming here every day is because I love seeing young people feel good about themselves and be accepted, and we do that by knowing how and what we’re feeling and learning to manage that.”
The award was presented by Bob Bardwell, Executive Director of the Massachusetts School Counselors Association (MASCA), and is sponsored by Wellpoint, a Woburn-based health care benefits company.
On behalf of MASCA, which represents nearly 200 school counselors around the state, Bardwell said, “We honor one of our members who has gone above and beyond by demonstrating outstanding service and making a tremendous impact on student success and achievement in their school every day.”
In addition to this statewide honor, according to MASCA’s press release, “Wan will represent Massachusetts as he competes with other state winners from around the country for the 2027 American School Counselor Association (ASCA) School Counselor of the Year award later this year.”
In his role, Wan is known for many contributions to the Harrington community. Principal Jackie Daley said, “I wanted to put him (Wan) forward for the nomination originally because of the work he does above and beyond his day-to-day job. Henry has always thought outside of the box. From our first year here together, the minute we needed something a little extra, needed someone out playing music on the plaza in the morning, it’s like, “I’ll bring a guitar, I’ll bring my drums, I’ll get together with others.” We need someone to join our equity team, he jumped right on board. We worked on some affinity groups. (Wan) wanted to take that to the next level. He’s always at PTA (Parent Teacher Association) events. His family has been a big part of the past eight years as well. So I just think that those things just set a person apart when you see that extra effort. You know, we have many, many educators that do that. We’re really fortunate here in Harrington. But tying it (the nomination) in with the work he does day to day, (I was) thinking about how he’s such an advocate for our children.”
Added Lexington Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Julie Hackett, whose office until recently was at the Central Administration next to Harrington Elementary School, “Sometimes things get hard or problematic, or you just need a boost. You need some spirit and enthusiasm. So when I drive into work and I park outside of Harrington, when I am having one of those days, I crack my window a little so I can hear that crazy music that emanates from Harrington every morning, like “Celebrate Good Times” or something like that. And then I watch Mr. Wan, and I have been here eight years, just like you (Henry Wan) and just like Principal Daley. So for the past eight years, when I needed a lift, a boost, inspiration, I’ve watched you with the children.”
The now former Massachusetts Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler, who referred to his own mother being a school counselor, said, “To Mr. Wan, I know that your work is challenging, your days are full, and the needs of young people continuously are becoming complex, but your impact is immeasurable. Counselors like you are essential to ensuring that every student has access to the resources, the supports and the opportunities, the emotional support that they need to thrive.”
The award is funded by Woburn-based WellPoint. David Morales, general manager of WellPoint presented a check to Henry Wan, saying, “WellPoint is the largest health plan for state and municipal employees in Massachusetts. Part of why we invest in educators like Mr. Wan is because healthy schools lead to healthy children, lead to healthy states and healthy nations. And so we want to give Mr. Wan $5,000 for his school.”
Henry Wan’s family attended this ceremony as well. His sisters Jenny and Shirley, expressed how happy they were for their brother. His wife Ally and their two children were also thrilled about the award. Ally said, “He loves his job and we’re excited to see him recognized. When he has a new idea or initiative, the staff (at Harrington enable) him to develop it. The kids know he’s fun and they’ll talk to him.” His mother Choi Fung said, “Henry likes to help people.”