First lady Michelle Obama in Orlando for school counselors conference

ORLANDO, Fla. — First lady Michelle Obama visited central Florida on Tuesday to promote the role school counselors play in helping families pursue higher education.
 
Obama delivered remarks to more than 2,000 people at the American School Counselor Association's annual conference in Orlando as part of her Reach Higher Initiative.

"With every life you transform, with every life save, you all have an impact that is truly beyond measure," she told the crown.

Reach Higher focuses on the importance of pursuing and completing some form of post-secondary education. It also encourages students to support President Barack Obama's 2020 goal of America producing the world's highest proportion of college graduates.

Through the campaign, Michelle Obama said she hopes counselors can inspire every student to pursue education after high school.

"whether that's a two-year degree, four-year degree or professional training of some sort."

"It's really nice to have the support of the White House, to know that school counselors are doing the best that they can do and that they're standing behind us," said counselor Bonnie Robbins.

"Most of us join the profession, a very thankless profession at times, because we believe in our kids and we want to see them do good things and  have the best in their lives," said counselor Samantha Haivland.

The first lady planned to attend a Democratic National Committee event in Miami later in the day.

WFTV