Emily Rion sits in the counseling office holding her Head of the Class Award.

A Revere High School (RHS) school counselor was awarded the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Head of the Class Award for the month of November after being nominated by students and teachers.

At the Cleveland Cavaliers game against the Atlanta Hawks on November 28, an organization linked to the Cavaliers recognized and honored Emily Rion, a school counselor at RHS. She received the Head of the Class Award, which one educator in the state of Ohio receives each month. Many students and teachers nominated her for the award, and as part of the experience, the Cavaliers gave Rion and her family a lounge to watch the game and a $500 Amazon gift card. The Cavaliers, who regularly work with educators through special programs often dedicated to mental health, worked with Rion previously.

Before the game, she spent time on the court with the officials and players. She had the opportunity to speak with both teams as well, including joining the pregame huddle with the referees and the two captains.

While most might feel pressure talking to stars renowned across the country, Rion said that most of the players are only a few years older than the students at her school. She gave words of wisdom to both sides in their huddles.

“My biggest message that I told them was ‘You have young people looking up to you all the time. What you wear, what you say, how you act’,” Rion said.

Many aspects contributed to Rion being nominated for the award. On top of being a counselor, she is the adviser for Active Minds, co-adviser for Student Council and the senior internship and the college board coordinator. Lily Hoza, RHS senior and president of Active Minds—a mental health group—described the work Rion does for the group.

“She facilitates . . . meetings, [books] field trips, [creates lessons for] getting together. . . . She helps get presenters to come in,” Hoza said.

Rion’s work has helped Active Minds organize multiple events each year dedicated to improving mental health and increasing access to mental health resources.

“All of the [Amazon] money that she earned went directly back into Active Minds,” Hoza said.

Rion is also the co-adviser of the Student Council. Her energy and dedication helps the group run smoothly. One of their goals, making sure Revere staff feel appreciated and remembered, is exemplified by Rion. Her co-adviser, Beth D’Amico, explained Rion’s contribution.

“She not only says she cares, she shows she cares by everything she says and does. It’s easy to say, ‘Oh, I’m passionate,’ but she shows it. . . . [Those at Revere know] that someone cares about you and you do matter,” D’Amico said.

Rion is always busy at school because she is always helping others. If a student needs help, D’Amico said that Rion will make sure that student receives the support they need.

“Emily Rion is one of the most caring, compassionate, empathetic individuals I know,” D’Amico said.

Hoza was one of the many students who nominated Rion for the Head of the Class award. Hoza thinks a lot of people nominated Rion because she always helps others and is involved in so many different settings.

Rion was grateful for winning the award and for those who nominated her. She was also thankful for the Cavaliers and how they honor educators.

“We see the Grammys and all the other awards that are highlighted in our society. We see all these really talented people, but without educators, nothing happens,” Rion said.

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