About John Cook and the Award
The John Cook Award was initiated in 1991 by the VCA Executive Committee to honor the many contributions of Dr. John Cook to the counseling professions both in Virginia and throughout the nation. At that time, the VCA Foundation was only one of two foundations in the country. Dr. Cook had a long and distinguished career as a counselor in Richmond, and he later became the Director of Guidance at the Virginia Department of Education. He was also instrumental in establishing the VCA Foundation, serving as President for almost 20 years, and becoming its largest benefactor.
The Cook Award is selected annually by the VCA Foundation Board and presented to a VCA member who “has a long and meritorious history with the Virginia Counselors Association, and the counseling profession.” The John Cook Award Recipients listed below have provided extensive leadership and service to VCA and made varied and significant contributions to the counseling community in Virginia. The recipient for 2023, announced at annual VCA Convention in November, is Ellissia Price-Fagin.
