MADISON — Mark Chapin, principal of Meyer Middle School in the River Falls School District, has been selected to receive the 2027 Wisconsin School Counselor Association (WSCA) Administrator Award. This award honors a school or district leader who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the success of school counseling programs. Recipients champion the role of school counselors, foster environments where comprehensive school counseling services can thrive, and actively support initiatives that promote students’ academic, career, and social/emotional development. Chapin will be recognized in November 2026 at the annual WSCA Conference in Wisconsin Dells.

Meyer Middle School Counselors Jordan Seifert, Sam Dusek, and Gary Campbell nominated Chapin for his exceptional leadership, unwavering support of school counselors, and commitment to meeting the needs of each and every student.

One of Chapin’s most significant contributions was advocating for the addition of a third school counselor at Meyer Middle School. Recognizing the challenges of serving approximately 750 students with two counselors, Chapin championed an additional position to achieve the recommended student-to-school-counselor ratio of 250:1. He also supported the creation of school counseling courses that provide all students with direct instruction in social/emotional development and career readiness.

"One of the most influential impacts that Mr. Chapin has made for our department was advocating for a third counselor at Meyer Middle School," the nominators shared. "His dedication to students’ overall well-being enhanced the counseling program at MMS by adding the third counselor and SEL course."

Today, sixth- and seventh-grade students participate in social/emotional learning courses, while eighth-grade students receive career exploration and Academic and Career Planning instruction. The expanded counseling team also provides classroom lessons, small-group counseling, and individual student support while developing stronger relationships with students and families.

Chapin’s commitment extends beyond staffing and programming. He actively collaborates with the counseling team through weekly student services meetings, supports schoolwide initiatives such as Mental Health Awareness Week and Chill Week, and encourages professional learning opportunities. He has presented alongside his school counselors at WSCA conferences and publicly recognized their contributions at school board meetings. 

"Mr. Chapin not only supports us, he actively partners with us to ensure we are meeting the needs of our students," the nominators stated. "These partnerships allow our counseling team to address the needs of students and communicate and create action plans with necessary staff."

Chapin has also been instrumental in advancing character education at Meyer Middle School, which has earned both State and National School of Character recognition. His leadership extends statewide through his work with Alverno College, helping other schools strengthen character education and school culture.

"As School Counselors, we all understand the importance of having an administrator who supports our roles and allows us to have a comprehensive school counseling program," the nominators shared. "Mark is a true champion for school counselors and is a strong advocate for our team."

Chapin plans to retire at the end of the school year, leaving a lasting legacy of student-centered leadership and strong support for the school counseling profession.

Each year, WSCA recognizes individuals who demonstrate an exceptional impact on the school counseling profession and the lives of students. The Administrator Award highlights the critical role that administrative leadership, collaboration, and partnership play in strengthening comprehensive school counseling programs. Nominations are carefully reviewed by the WSCA Professional Recognition Committee, composed of active and retired school counselors who evaluate nominees’ contributions and select award recipients.

Submitted by Wisconsin School Counselor Association