Mary Louise McDowell-Campo was nominated by a recent OCHS graduate attending Yale

Ocean City, N.J. – Ocean City High School (OCHS) guidance counselor Mary Louise McDowell-Campo was recently selected as a recipient of the 2026 Yale Educator Award for inspiring and supporting students to achieve excellence. This is the second time McDowell-Campo earned the prestigious honor, after being recognized in 2020.

The award, sponsored by the Yale University Office of Undergraduate Admissions, celebrates teachers and counselors from around the world who are dedicated to helping students perform at a high level. Of this year’s 307 nominees, who represent 39 states and 20 countries, 50 teachers and 17 counselors were selected to receive the award.

McDowell-Campo is an Ocean City resident and a proud OCHS Class of 1990 graduate. She said her K-12 experience in the school district was wonderful and a primary reason for her decision to pursue a career in education.

“I am humbled and honored to be recognized among some truly incredible individuals,” said McDowell-Campo, who has served 32 years in education. “To be recognized twice among so many wonderful and giving educators is amazing. I feel being a school counselor is by far the best job in the profession. I enjoy the sense of fulfillment that comes from helping students, and they bring a lot of laughter and fun to the day.”

McDowell-Campo credits former OCHS principal Dr. Matthew Jamison and former OCHS director of guidance and pupil services Erik Ortolf for her success as a counselor.

“I am grateful for their confidence in me and for the guidance and support they provided along the way,” said McDowell-Campo. “Without their mentorship, I truly would not be at the level I am at today.”

Students entering the Yale Class of 2030 were asked to nominate outstanding educators who have deeply impacted their lives. Joseph Heng of Ocean City, N.J., an electrical engineering and computer science major at Yale, didn’t hesitate to nominate McDowell-Campo. Heng, a 2026 OCHS graduate, was not formally assigned to McDowell-Campo during high school but said she was an influential mentor who guided and supported his academic endeavors.

“During my senior year, I walked into the guidance office, and Mrs. McDowell-Campo completely took me under her wing,” said Heng. “She began reaching out via email, checking in on me, and offering guidance through the stressful senior year process. To be honest, this award doesn't even give her enough credit. It is amazing that an institution like Yale is recognizing her, but extraordinary educators like her deserve far more credit than a single award can provide.”

OCHS principal Dr. Wendy O’Neal said McDowell-Campo dedicates her time to develop connections with all students. Every morning, McDowell-Campo stands outside her office and welcomes students into the school building. This simple act of kindness is how she met Heng, who then became comfortable enough to ask McDowell-Campo questions about colleges, scholarships and his life after high school.

“McDowell-Campo is a veteran counselor who is extremely knowledgeable and well-versed, so she shared her expertise with Joe (Heng) throughout the year forging a relationship with him,” said O’Neal. “I know she is honored to have been recognized by Joe specifically, but McDowell-Campo is this giving with all our students and our Ocean City community. As an Ocean City resident and alum, she is committed to Ocean City and its excellence.”