Members of the Zonta Club of Rome gathered on Wednesday at Rome Free Academy to present guidance counselor Maureen Nash with the club’s Zonta Rose Day Award, its highest annual honor, for Nash’s extraordinary work in and out of school.

While Nash is typically reticent to such attention, her work on behalf of youth in the community as well as countless others through her exemplary volunteer efforts demands recognition.

Nash is well known by parents, staff, colleagues and administrators as a staunch advocate for all students at RFA, especially including those who may need extra attention. Her knowledge of students schedules, abilities and requirements — not to mention their unique personalities and characteristics — is astounding.

Likewise, her organization and followup are in a class of their own.

“Maureen is an exceptional school counselor who goes above and beyond to assist her students,” Zonta President Dr. Camille Dillard said of Nash in a statement Wednesday. “She takes pride in her job and truly wants to make the community a better place by raising the standards of our youth. Her students look to her because of her knowledge, empathy, and her willingness to advocate for her students...She spends endless hours communicating with her students and their parents on the mistakes and the positive choices they make, and most importantly Maureen is the cornerstone for each and every one of her students.”

In addition to her counseling duties, Nash is involved in many community organizations, volunteering with the Rome Twigs, the Leo Club, the Rome Republican Committee, Bible Study, Dollars for Scholars, Book Club, Investment Club, and works at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church as a Eucharistic minister and religious education teacher.

She also volunteers for special events hosted by the church and Welcome Hall dinners.

If you ask Nash about her efforts, you will likely get a smile and a shrug — often with a comment deflecting praise on others. While there is no shortage of local women who make an impact on our community, we can think of no one more deserving of such recognition as Nash and join with the Zonta Club of Rome in its celebration of Nash and her extraordinary career and service.