SHS Counselor Cherokee Rotherham receives Nebraska State College System’s 2025 Counseling Excellence Award
The Nebraska State College System 2025
Counseling Excellence Award - Cherokee Rotherham
Cherokee Rotherham is being honored with this year’s Nebraska State College System Counseling Excellence Award for her dedication and commitment to students at Scottsbluff High School. Since joining Scottsbluff in 2020, Cherokee has become an invaluable part of the SHS community, bringing with her over two decades of experience in education. Throughout her career, she has served in a wide range of roles—including Speech Technician, Elementary Teacher, Family Liaison, Library Media Specialist, and K–12 Counselor—but her true passion has always been school counseling.
Cherokee is proud to be a Douglas, Wyoming Bearcat and a graduate of Chadron State College. She brings that same pride and dedication to her work with students at SHS—guiding students through ACT preparation and testing, grade-level planning, personal counseling, scheduling for the College and Career Planning Center, and coordinating opportunities like bringing students to Scholastics Day at CSC. SHS Principal Justin Shaddick described her as someone who is always willing to jump in, always willing to learn, and makes sure that students' needs are met. Her enthusiasm, compassion, and focus on students make her a standout counselor. Cherokee’s goal has always been to give every student the best possible high school experience and help them confidently step into their future—and this award highlights the meaningful influence she has on her students and school community.