Cumberland County High School Guidance Counselor wins SCC Pathfinder Award

Published on Apr 11, 2024

Somerset Community College (SCC) proudly announces that Nathan Britt, the Guidance Counselor for Cumberland County High School (CCHS), has been named the SCC High School Teacher/Counselor Pathfinder Award winner.

Established by the Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS), the Pathfinder Award recognizes high school teachers and counselors for their outstanding efforts in assisting students with their college-going plans.

Currently, Britt is the guidance counselor at CCHS, juggling many responsibilities during his 15 years at the school. However, Britt has found his passion in guiding students to the next step in their academic journeys. Often, those students choose their local community college, which Britt has been a massive advocate for over the years.

His advocacy for students shines because he knows each student by name and keeps up with the pathway they are mapping out for their future.

"As a counselor, Nathan has a unique approach to identifying and monitoring his students' career and postsecondary path," SCC McCreary and Clinton Center Director Jill Lawson recognized. He utilizes a large chalkboard to list each senior's name with their planned college destination."

Britt uses the chalkboard to remind him to check in with the students when he sees them in the halls, lunchrooms, and parking lots when he is performing his other duties. He can individualize each interaction with the students, making sure he knows their decided pathway.

"It has now become a culture piece that whenever the kids decide where they want to go, they get excited to see their name under that school on the board," Britt said.

The entire school kept a big secret from Britt. He was surprised when the school met in the gym Thursday morning to call him to the gym center to accept his Pathfinder award.

KCTCS students, faculty, and staff made nominations for the SCC High School Teacher/Counselor Pathfinder Award. Winners were selected based on the following criteria:

• Encouraged student(s) to attend a KCTCS college.
• Assisted students in identifying a career and postsecondary path.
• Provided mentorship.
• Maintained contact with students.

“This is my favorite part of my job. If I had to put a title to it, it would be pathfinding,” Britt said. “I try to make the students want to map out their future paths and market each student to colleges, scholarship committees, and employers who want them.”

View more photos from the Pathfinder Award presentation at https://somersetcc.info/PathfinderWinner24