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Southside Elementary School is proud to announce Mr. Michael Dowell, School Guidance Counselor, as our 2017 Educator of the Year. Before coming to Southside in 2003, Mr. Dowell had already served his country and community. He was a member of the US Army from 1972-1993. After retiring from military services, he has worked as a supervisor for foster care and adoption, a substance abuse counselor, senior juvenile probation officer, mediator and mentor for mediators certified by the Virginia Supreme Court, and Director of Substance Abuse Services.
In addition to his current role at Southside, Mr. Dowell continues to work part time as a Crisis Counselor for Martinsville Community Services. The experience, knowledge, and skills that Mr. Dowell brings to Southside Elementary are invaluable. He builds relationships with students, parents, community members, and all stakeholders to support school and student success. Mr. Dowell's favorite things are his five children, four grandchildren, gatherings with old Army buddies, traveling, working on his old muscle cars, and the hugs and high fives he gets from the students at Southside each day. |