At Carroll County High School, students preparing for life after graduation have a steady, trusted guide in their corner: Crystal Raisor. Whether they’re college-bound, entering the workforce, joining the military, or exploring trade programs, Raisor is the person helping them chart that course—and making sure they’re ready when they get there.
This year, her dedication and impact were recognized with a nomination for the Pathfinder of the Year award through the Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) system. The award honors individuals who go above and beyond in helping students access and succeed in higher education.
“I got a letter telling me I’d been nominated, and I think it was definitely an honor to be recognized,” Raisor said. “My piece in all of this is helping students prepare for that next step—whatever their individual path may be. For some, that’s college. For others, it’s a trade program, military service, or going straight into the workforce with training. My job is to make sure they’re ready and supported, no matter what.”
Raisor’s journey to her current role as College and Career Readiness Counselor has been shaped by years of experience in education—nearly three decades, in fact. She began as a business teacher, later serving as the Area Technology Center principal, and also spent time working at the Alternative Learning Center. When her current position opened up, she knew it was the perfect fit.
“This job is the perfect combination of everything I loved about being a principal, but with more direct connection to students,” she said. “It blends my technical background and leadership experience with the one-on-one work I really care about.”
A key part of her role, in collaboration with CCHS Guidance Counselor Lisa Weedman, is overseeing dual credit opportunities—college-level classes that students can take in high school for both high school and college credit. Raisor has seen this program grow substantially over the years, thanks in large part to the partnership with JCTC.
“JCTC has expanded so much since I started,” she said. “There are more opportunities now than ever. We’ve seen an increase in students who start at Jefferson, complete two years there, and then transfer to a four-year school. It’s exciting to help them figure out what they want to do—and then actually help them get there.”
Raisor handles the technical side of post-secondary planning, from managing Future 42 initiatives to guiding students through dual credit scholarship applications. She also leads many of the conversations with seniors, asking the big questions: What do you want to do? What do you love? What’s the next step?
She’s quick to point out that this work is a team effort.
“I’m really just one piece of the puzzle,” she said. “Lisa handles scheduling, others handle specific parts of the process—we each have our roles. But together, we’re helping students take full advantage of everything available to them.”
Whether it’s industry certifications, career pathway planning, or helping undecided students explore options, Raisor’s work is rooted in data, insight, and deep care. And her commitment doesn’t stop when students graduate.
“I get calls all the time from students who are in college or starting a job and want to change their path,” she said. “They trust me. They know I’ll help them—even though they’ve already left us. That means the world to me.”
Although she didn’t take home the top Pathfinder honor—this year’s award went to Doug Wainscott of Owen County—Raisor says just being nominated alongside colleagues she admires was meaningful.
“Everyone in our region knows Doug—he’s the go-to for anything counselor-related. So to be recognized with folks like him, that’s something I’m proud of.”
Superintendent Casey Jaynes said Raisor’s Pathfinder nomination is well-deserved. “Crystal is the definition of a student-centered educator, as she always knows where students are and what they need to be successful,” he said. “Her ability to combine technical knowledge with genuine care for each student’s future is what makes her such an asset to our school and community.”