LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Dr. Sheryl Neely was nominated by an anonymous colleague.

Dr. Sheryl Neely is a stellar Lead Counselor in Atlanta Public Schools (APS). She has served the students, staff, and the APS community for 26 years.

"She is a champion for equity who empowers others to embrace stronger community and school connections, and to embark upon social justice programs that address diversity and equity," said her colleague.

Dr. Neely advocates and leads equity initiatives that champion diversity. She engages the school community to commit to equity and impartiality. Dr. Neely has ensured that all her students receive equal access to educational opportunities. Dr. Neely encourages students to model equity in all they do, and she consistently advocates for equitable classroom environments that accommodate different learning styles. 

Student success and achievement drives Dr. Neely and motivates her to go above and beyond. She jokingly says, "I will choke a tree and drown water for our students," and she has. She is committed to giving her very best to ensure students succeed. Ensuring that her students have equal opportunities and access in education has always been Dr. Neely's "why."

"She has helped students garner over $40 million in scholarships and is known to those around her as 'Dr. Graduation' for supporting thousands of students to graduate on time and to pursue their career or college goals," explains her colleague. 

Dr. Neely has brought numerous programs into the schools, including Social and Emotional Learning, Anti-bullying, and College and Career Readiness Programs to support her students. She was even instrumental in writing a grant through the Governor's Office to add a Counselor to the counseling staff to help students who need additional support in meeting graduation requirements. She also connected the APS CTAE Program with Delta Airlines to create an Aircraft Mechanic Program at the Atlanta College and Career Academy.

"Dr. Neely has too many accolades to list, but one of her biggest accomplishments was being named National Counselor of the Year," said her colleague. "She is highly respected by her colleagues, parents, students, and the greater community for her dedication and commitment to the counseling profession and the students of Atlanta Public Schools. We applaud Dr. Neely for all that she unselfishly does for others."