The Georgia School Counselors Association has selected two Gwinnett public school professionals and a Gwinnett administrator to compete for state honors.

The contenders, school counselors Karen Griffith of Berkeley Lake Elementary, Helen Clark of Dacula High and Grayson High principal Keith Chaney, will vie for state titles.

The three Gwinnett County Public Schools employees all received regional awards last school year for their work supporting the emotional health and academic advancement of students.

Last school year, Griffith, who was named 2007-08 Georgia Region 2 Elementary School Counselor of the Year, launched a new program to motivate students to achieve in the classroom called "Students on a Roll" that provides certificates and public recognition to students who improve their grades from the previous quarter.

Clark, the 2007-08 Georgia Region 2 Secondary Counselor of the Year, helps students on and off campus. She is a member of her school's Care Team, which addresses the needs of families in the community.

Chaney, the 2007-08 Georgia Region 2 Counseling Advocate of the Year, was recognized by his staff for his enthusiasm and willingness to try new strategies to help children.