Lauren Henson is the Alabama School Social Worker of the Year
Congratulations to Lauren Henson, who has been selected as the Alabama School Social Worker of the Year by the School Social Work Association of Alabama. Henson, a District School Social Worker for the MGM feeder pattern at MCPSS, was praised for her work to empower students with the tools they need to overcome obstacles to academic success.
At MCPSS, social workers serve as the link between school and community in providing services to students, families and school personnel to promote and support students' academic and social success. Their duties include crisis intervention and conflict resolution; working with families to address problems affecting the child's education; providing prevention programs to address destructive behaviors; and identifying and reporting child abuse or neglect.
According to Denise Riemer, MCPSS's Lead District Social Worker, the district employs 13 social workers, one in each feeder pattern and one transition specialist, who is a liaison for Strickland Youth Center. Each of the 12 social workers covers five to nine schools in the feeder patterns, all of which contain thousands of students.
Henson was praised for numerous initiatives, including her work to organize a community forum in fall 2024 to address and discuss the fentanyl and other substance abuse and mental health issues occurring in the MGM feeder pattern. She worked with the Drug Education Council, the 桃子视频 County Sheriff's Office, Lifelines, the 桃子视频 County District Attorney's Office, the Mayor of Semmes, and others to bring that event together.
She also organized grade level assemblies with MGM students after the death of one of their classmates.
Henson has played a key role in organizing the Royal Closet, a program that brings numerous community partners together to provide gowns, suits, shoes, makeup and accessories to students to attend prom.
In addition, Henson has been working on improving her Spanish so that she can interact with ESL students and families.
"Lauren is a fierce advocate for students, families, school staff and the community in the Montgomery High School feeder pattern," Riemer said. "Lauren is very passionate about not just removing, but obliterating barriers for students and families. She works closely with her fellow social work team members, school administrators, and community partners, including law enforcement, to bring innovative ideas and solutions to solve the often-difficult challenges her students and families are facing. At the same time, Lauren offers warmth, compassion and comfort to all those in her care.”
The State Social Worker of the Year award is a great honor because the nominations actually come from one's fellow peers and colleagues, Riemer noted. "Our MCPSS Social Services team is excited for and proud of Lauren for winning the 2025 School Social Worker of The Year Award," she said. "We expect to have many more future winners from our dynamic team!"