While the downturned economy has left a bad taste in many people's mouths, some used the economy as motivation to work that much harder. As many teachers scrambled to hold on to their jobs, one music teacher turned high school counselor was awarded for her efforts. Darlene Landrum, high school counselor at Norfork High School, was named Arkansas' Secondary School Counselor of the Year by the Arkansas School Counselor Association, according to the Baxter Bulletin. "She's one of the most dedicated employees I've ever had," said Norfork High School Principal Bobby Hulse to the news source . "She comes in early every day and stays late when it's necessary. She does a lot to get our kids scholarships and as much money as she can for them." According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of school counselors is expected to grow by 14% between 2008 and 2018. The median wage for a school counselor in 2008 was $51,050.  |