Dr. Carey Wright State Superintendent | Maryland Department Of Education
Danielle Crankfield, a school counselor and department chair at Crofton High School in Anne Arundel County Public Schools, has been named the 2026 National School Counselor of the Year by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). She is the first school counselor from Maryland to receive this national recognition.
Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools, commented on Crankfield’s achievement: “Ms. Crankfield’s commitment to equity and student success is nothing short of inspiring. She has demonstrated how school counselors can lead with both heart and data to create real, lasting change. Maryland is proud to have her represent the best of our education system on the national stage.”
Dr. Joshua L. Michael, President of the State Board of Education, also praised Crankfield’s work: “Ms. Crankfield exemplifies the transformative power of school counseling. As the son of a school counselor, I know how life-changing this work can be. Her leadership in closing opportunity gaps and expanding access to advanced coursework reflects the values we hold dear in Maryland.”
Crankfield has worked as a school counselor since 2010 and was chosen for this honor from among state-level nominees nationwide. At Crofton High School, she led efforts to analyze course enrollment data and address disparities in honors and Advanced Placement course access. Her initiatives resulted in reducing gaps in course access for Black and Hispanic students.
She will be recognized with other state finalists during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., scheduled for January 2026, and will participate in National School Counseling Week events from February 2-6, 2026.
The Maryland State Board of Education plans to formally recognize Crankfield at its December 2025 meeting.
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