Angelo DiBartolo, a teacher-turned-guidance counselor who also coaches two sports, was nominated by his colleagues at the Ocean City School District
Ocean City, N.J. – Ocean City Intermediate School guidance counselor Angelo DiBartolo was recently selected as the 2024-2025 Cape May County Counselor of the County for his outstanding leadership and advocacy for students.
DiBartolo, who has been a guidance counselor at OCIS since 2019, will be recognized for this honor at the Cape Atlantic School Counselors Association (CASCA) Spring Dinner in May.
The Counselor of the County award, sponsored by CASCA, is given annually to counselors who provide exceptional programs that focus on students’ academic development, career counseling and personal support. Candidates are nominated by their colleagues and then chosen by a panel of counseling professionals.
“Receiving this award is truly humbling," said DiBartolo. "As a relatively new guidance counselor, this recognition is a great honor. I stepped into this role during the year of the pandemic. That first year presented monumental challenges for all educators. However, I believe those experiences strengthened my confidence and prepared me to grow quickly in my role as the intermediate school counselor.”
DiBartolo began working as a history teacher for the Ocean City School District (OCSD) in 2002. Seeing an opportunity to support the students in OCSD in a different capacity, DiBartolo decided to apply for a guidance position at the Intermediate School in 2019.
“Being a guidance counselor is so rewarding,” said DiBartolo. “This recognition should be a team award, because I have so much support and work with a great staff including the secretaries, teachers, child study team and principal. We work together to make a positive impact on all our students.”
Prior to working at OCSD, DiBartolo taught history for five years at other schools including Cape May County Technical High School. He graduated from Kutztown University with a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education and social studies. DiBartolo went on to Wilmington University and earned two master's degrees – one for school administration and another for school guidance counseling.
As the OCIS co-head coach of the girls soccer team and the head coach of the wrestling team, DiBartolo supports students in another aspect of school. DiBartolo, who played soccer and rugby in high school and college, enjoys coaching because it allows him to build better connections with more students.
“We congratulate Angelo on this well-deserved recognition,” said Dr. Christian Angelillo, Superintendent of Schools. “His ability to lead and inspire students in the classroom and on the field reflects his passion for fostering growth, teamwork and resilience. We are fortunate to have him be a guiding force in the lives of our students.”