GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) - Just before dismissal at Annie Jackson Elementary School, a surprise was waiting in the gym for students and staff. Tammy Van Ess had no idea that she was about to win the Wisconsin School Counselor of the Year award.
"Today was absolutely a surprise to me, it's kind of left me speechless," Van Ess said. "Which isn't normal for me, I usually have a lot to say."
The award is given by the Wisconsin School Counselors Association, and nominations are made by colleagues, parents and students. A flurry of cheers and high-fives ensued after it was announced at the school assembly that Van Ess had won.
"It was a surprise, it brought tears to my eyes, but then I thought 'put your gameface on, this is kind of a big deal,'" Van Ess said. "So I did and I focused on why I do what I do everyday."
Van Ess never expected any recognition for her work, but the appreciation she was shown is something she'll never forget.
"It's not something that I ever would have expected to receive in my life," she said. "You don't go into a profession thinking that 'someday I'm going to win this or win that.' and that's not why I do what I do, I do what I do because I love it and this is great."
And what led her into the field, 17 years ago?
"Helping," she said. "That's the number one reason why I wanted to be a counselor is to make a difference in the world of our youth."