Hannah Decanio, a master’s student in the school counseling program at West Virginia University, was named the 2026 Graduate Student of the Year by the West Virginia School Counselor Association and received the award at the organization’s annual conference Feb. 26–27 at the Waterfront Hotel in Morgantown.
The award recognizes a master’s student in school counseling for scholarship, advocacy, and leadership potential.
Decanio is pursuing a Master of Science in counseling with an emphasis in school counseling at WVU, where she maintains a 4.0 grade point average. She previously earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in addiction studies from WVU in 2022 and graduated summa cum laude.
Decanio is currently in her final semester, interning at University High School of Morgantown and Pleasant Valley Elementary School of Fairmont. Her experience includes developing intervention plans, conducting individual and group counseling sessions, and delivering classroom lessons to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. As a Mountaineer School-Based Mental Health Fellow, Decanio also worked with Harrison County schools to support students and assist with mental health services. She has served as a graduate teaching assistant in the WVU Psychology Department and previously worked as a senior psychometrist with Fremouw, Sigley & Baker Psychological Associates.
“This is an honor I do not take lightly and one that means more than words can express,” Decanio said. “Being recognized by the WVSCA affirms why I do this work. Receiving this award symbolizes the importance of advocating, being present, and believing that showing up for students creates a lifelong impact. I will continue to expand my knowledge, sharpen my counseling skills, and lead with compassion and composure.”
Faculty members who supported Decanio’s nomination cited her work in the classroom as well as her advocacy efforts and commitment to professional development.
“Hannah consistently demonstrates exceptional academic ability,” said Alaina Schrader, a faculty lecturer in the School of Education and Counseling. “She approaches her coursework with diligence and precision, earning nearly perfect scores on her assignments and consistently producing work of the highest caliber.”
“Hannah consistently models the qualities of a reflective and ethical practitioner who prioritizes dignity, respect, and equity in all that she does,” said Kim Floyd, professor, in the School of Education and Counseling.