Honoring excellence and lifelong impact in the counseling profession
The Virginia Counselors Association Foundation presents the John Cook Award annually in honor of John R. Cook’s enduring contributions to the profession.
The foundation’s most distinguished award, it recognizes a Virginia counselor who has demonstrated long-standing, meritorious service and made a lasting impact on the counseling community through exceptional leadership and commitment.
Learn more & submit a nomination
Explore the award criteria, eligibility requirements and nomination process to help honor a counselor whose service and impact are exemplary and who has helped perpetuate the foundation’s vision and purpose.
The opportunity to nominate is extended to foundation leaders, the VCA board of directors, elected officers of VCA, and its chapters and divisions. Nominees should also receive the endorsement of one of those groups.
For questions about the scholarship or application process, email Linda Grubba, chair of the John Cook Award Committee.
Application process & timeline
Complete the nomination form and submit by Sept. 7, 2026.
Be sure to include:
- Contact information for the nominee including name, mailing address, email address and phone number.
- A resume of the nominee, which shows work experience, professional roles, activities, awards and other related involvement that highlights the nominee’s qualifications for the award
- The nominator’s contact information.
- A supporting letter of recommendation for the nominee, signed by the president of the nominating organization.
- A photo of the nominee, which will be used in announcements.
About the award
Established to honor the legacy of John R. Cook and his lasting influence on the counseling profession, the John Cook Award recognizes a Virginia counselor whose career reflects sustained excellence, leadership and service.
This distinguished award celebrates individuals who embody those same qualities — demonstrating meritorious service, advancing the profession, and making a meaningful and lasting impact through their work, mentorship, and commitment to the counseling community.
Who to consider for nomination
The John Cook Award recognizes a Virginia counselor whose career reflects sustained excellence, leadership and service to the profession.
Ideal nominees exemplify the highest standards of counseling and demonstrate a long-standing commitment to advancing the field. They have made meaningful contributions to the counselors community in Virginia and created a lasting impact through their work, mentorship and professional leadership.
Selection procedure
1. The John Cook Award selection committee chair, will gather the supporting documents submitted for each nominee and submit them to the VCA Foundation John Cook Award Committee for review.
2. The award committee will consist of three or more previous recipients of the award and they will set a procedure for reviewing and evaluating the information for each candidate
3. The committee will make a recommendation to the VCAF Board for the most deserving nominee, or prioritize all the presented nominations if all nominees are qualified for the award.
4. The VCAF Board will choose the recipient of the award from the nominees presented by the committee, by secret ballot, either in person or by electronic polling.
5. The award committee chair or president of the VCAF will notify the recipient of the award.
6. The VCAF will notify all nominees of the results of the selection process.
7. The award will be formally presented at the annual VCA Convention Awards Program.
8. Nominations must be submitted by Sept. 7, 2026, via the process below.
Recognition & honors
The John Cook Award represents one of the highest honors bestowed by the Virginia Counselors Association Foundation, recognizing outstanding contributions to the counseling profession and the VCA community.
Recipients receive:
- Formal recognition at the Virginia Counselors Association convention.
- Visibility across VCA Foundation and VCA communications.
- A commemorative award honoring their achievement.
- Acknowledgment among peers as a leader whose career reflects lasting impact and service to the profession.
Past recipients & impact
Since its inception, the recipients of the Cook Award have represented the very best of the counseling profession in Virginia. They are leaders whose careers reflect sustained service, mentorship and advocacy. These honorees have helped shape the profession through leadership, innovation and deep commitment to supporting counseling and the communities they serve.
Together, their collective impact extends across decades, strengthening professional standards, expanding access to care and inspiring future generations.