SKCTC’s Pathfinder of the Year: Megan Carruba honored at Harlan County High School
Published on Apr 4, 2025
Megan Carruba, a guidance counselor at Harlan County High School, has been named Southeast
Kentucky Community & Technical College’s 2025 Pathfinder of the Year, an award recognizing
educators who go above and beyond in guiding students toward success.
Carruba received the honor on April 2 during a presentation outside the Jordan Smith Performing Arts Center at HCHS, where Dr. Rebecca Johnson, SKCTC vice president of student affairs, presented the award.
The Pathfinder of the Year award is given annually at each of the 16 Kentucky Community and Technical College System schools to a high school teacher or counselor who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to encouraging students to attend college, assisting them in identifying career and postsecondary paths, providing mentorship, and maintaining contact with students beyond graduation.
Carruba, who has worked in education for 13 years, including five years as a school counselor, said she was honored to be recognized.
“I became a school counselor because I genuinely enjoy helping others,” Carruba said. “I especially love working with high school students because I happen to think that teenagers are the best kind of people. My job is never the same two days in a row—I may be helping a student with a college application one minute and counseling another through a tough day the next. I love that I can aid students in so many facets of their lives.”
She also expressed appreciation for the strong partnership between HCHS and SKCTC.
“Not only does SKCTC allow us to offer students more than 30 credit hours of dual credit courses, but they provide a variety of programs that lead our students to successful careers after graduation,” she said.
Carruba’s impact is deeply felt across the HCHS campus, where colleagues and students alike praise her supportive nature and unwavering dedication. HCHS Principal Kathy Napier said Carruba plays a vital role in fostering a positive, student-centered environment.
"Megan Carruba has an unwavering commitment to supporting our students," Napier said.
"Her personality and demeanor gives students a sense of comfort and confidence that
they need to work through any situation. Megan’s dedication to student success and
her collaboration approach with co-workers, colleges, and our feeder schools help
foster meaningful relationships throughout the community."As SKCTC's Pathfinder of the Year, Carruba is now in the running to be selected as the statewide KCTCS Pathfinder of the Year, an honor given to one recipient among all 16 colleges in the system.
“I am grateful to those who nominated me for this award and to the committee who chose me,” she said. “I truly work with the best people, and our students are the reason I get up and come to work every day.”
The Pathfinder of the Year award highlights the impact that dedicated educators like Carruba have on students' futures, reinforcing the importance of mentorship and guidance in preparing them for success.
