Every year, OCA recognizes the excellence of its members. Awards are distributed at a special reception during the AOCC. If you know of a deserving candidate, consider nominating them for an award listed below. If you have questions, contact Dr. DoHee Kim-Appel, OCA Awards Committee Chair, at dkimappe@heidelberg.edu.

Submit a Nomination

2024 Award Recipient Photo Gallery

Past Award Recipients

OCA Awards Nominations Now Open!

We are thrilled to announce that the OCA Awards Celebration will take place during AOCC 2025: Fostering Wellness & Equipping Counselors, happening Wednesday, October 29 – Friday, October 31, 2025, at the Embassy Suites Dublin.

This year marks a special milestone - our very first time honoring OCA members exclusively! 

We encourage everyone to participate in recognizing the outstanding contributions of our colleagues. In addition, we are excited to share that division and chapter awards will also be celebrated at AOCC this year.

The OCA Awards Committee is pleased to open the nomination period, which will remain open through July 31, 2025. Now is the perfect time to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication, impact, and achievements of OCA members.

Please use this link to nominate exceptional individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the counseling profession and our community. Self-nominations are also welcomed - we want to celebrate you, too!

Please review the description of the awards. 

Here are the steps for you to complete the nomination:

Both nominators and nominees can submit the materials electronically in any of the following formats to follow Step 3: Letters of support (PDF) Presentations (PPT) Videos Audio recordings Here are the due dates for completing the nomination process: The Step 1: Nomination Due by July 31, 2025 The Step 2: Confirmation is due by August 10, 2025 The Step 3: Submitting the materials required due by August 24, 2025

Thank you for helping us recognize and honor the excellence within OCA.   Please contact us if you have any questions about the nomination process - CLICK HERE We look forward to receiving your nominations! Submit a Nomination

Award Opportunities

Advocacy Award

 This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding advocacy on behalf of the counseling profession. This includes, but is not limited to, meaningful lobbying efforts, public awareness campaigns, community outreach, and initiatives that promote the value of counseling services and support the growth and development of the profession in diverse and impactful ways.

Charles "Chuck" Weaver Service Award

One who has shown long, consistent and distinguished service to the counseling profession and who has shown exemplary caring for people. 

Dave Brooks Service Award 

One who has demonstrated a willingness to serve and take responsibility, while creating new paths in the counseling profession.

Excellence in Communication Award

This award recognizes individuals or teams who have demonstrated exceptional research and writing abilities within the counseling profession. This may include contributions such as journal publications, successful grant writing, the development and management of community programs, or the creation and dissemination of newsletters and other materials that advance the mission and visibility of OCA.

Graduate Student Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize graduate students who have excelled: in service to OCA and the counseling profession; counseling-related extracurricular or co-curricular involvements; and has demonstrated excellence and commitment to the profession - awarded to two Master and two Doctoral student members.

Herman J. Peters Innovation Award

One who promotes innovative ideas in the counseling field and impact on the evolution of the Counseling Profession.

Professional Leadership Award

This award recognizes and honors persons who through their vision, leadership, and concern for others and the profession have strengthened, expanded, and enhanced the counseling profession within Ohio.

Susan J. Sears Counselor of the Year Award

One who has gone beyond the call of duty by demonstrating exceptional service as a practitioner and counselor educator.

Tom Davis Outstanding Mentoring Award

This award acknowledges individual Counselor Educators or practicing Professional Counselors whose mentorship impacts students and recent graduates by nurturing the career progress of emerging professional counselors.

Submit a Nomination