Aug. 21, 2025 – First came the drumline. Then the cheerleaders. And finally, the announcement. In the middle of a regularly-scheduled high school counselors meeting at the Schultz Center, Jean Ribault High School’s Dr. Brianna Patterson was surprised with a new title –– Florida School Counselor of the Year.
“I feel so overwhelmed with the most positive emotions,” Dr. Patterson shared with the crowd.
Members of the Florida School Counselor Association (FSCA) made the trip to formally honor Dr. Patterson with the honor. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christopher Bernier, Jean Ribault High School Principal Dr. Gregory Bostic, and members of Dr. Patterson’s family were also part of the surprise announcement.
According to the association, Dr. Patterson’s leadership at Jean Ribault High School has led to extraordinary student impact. This includes achieving a 90% retention rate in the school’s Early College Program, doubling the number of students eligible for dual enrollment, and increasing last year’s scholarship awards from $13 to $18 million.
FSCA members went on to say that Dr. Patterson’s advocacy for her students, collaboration with the community, and implementation of systemic change caused her to rise above the other nominees.
“I actually graduated from Ribault High School,” said Dr. Patterson, who was the school’s valedictorian in 2011. “It feels good to come back to my community and make a difference every day.”
District leaders say Dr. Patterson’s win is especially gratifying on the heels of Ribault earning an A grade, and also starting the school year on a brand-new campus.
“I’m so excited for Dr. Patterson. School counselors are a vital role in our students’ lives –– from academic to social and even some of the challenges that they bring,” said Dr. Bostic.
Dr. Patterson has served as a school counselor at Jean Ribault High School for five years. She will be celebrated at the FSCA Convention in November and is now in the running for the American School Counselor Association’s National School Counselor of the Year.