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This is National School Counseling Week

����’s��, so we’re highlighting a group of dedicated professionals who really deserve recognition all year long.

School counselors’ job description is long and varied, but it’s all in the name of supporting students. And it’s a whole lot more than just helping students pick classes or apply to college.

“School counselors have the power to change lives – one student, one conversation, one act of kindness at a time,” said Telisa Brown, director of the ����Vlog guidance and counseling department. “These trained professionals play a crucial role in supporting students’ academic, social, emotional, college and career development. As vital contributors to their campuses, they deserve to be celebrated for their tireless dedication to ensuring students have the tools and space they need to become the best and healthiest versions of themselves. School counselors truly make a difference.”

The difference they make can vary from student to student – depending on their needs – and by grade level. Elementary, junior high and high school counselors all have unique roles dictated by the age and experience of their students.

“Elementary counselors’ biggest impact on students comes from being there for students when they are down or in crisis and then getting to be their biggest cheerleaders when things are going well,” said Shalon Griggs, the counselor at Williams Elementary. “I hope that no matter what, my kids know they can trust me to be safe and consistent.”

Griggs loves building relationships with her students and supporting them however she can.

“My favorite part of being a counselor is getting to know all the students,” Griggs said. “They all are unique and have such interesting personalities. I’m one of the few people who sees all the students in the building regularly. I get to go into classrooms to have fun with kids and teach them really important life skills.”

At the junior high level, the counselor’s role starts to evolve as students need to start preparing for high school and looking ahead to the future.

“The best part of being a school counselor is helping all students with their many different needs,” said Rachel Pavlovich, a counselor at Workman Junior High. “From helping them think about the future (four-year plans) to personal concerns (family/friends), our students come to us and look for guidance in their lives. Being able to provide them with a stable and constant support figure is so important, and I am glad to be a part of it.”

In high school, counselors help students plan for their lives after graduation and guide them toward the steps necessary to achieve their goals.

“The most rewarding part of my job as a high school counselor is guiding students toward finding a career path,” said Matthew Franks, a counselor at Martin High School. “Throughout their four years, my goal is to help inspire them to explore their interests and, ideally, focus on a specific field. Seeing them realize what they want to do and getting excited about their future makes me thankful to be able to make an impact.”

Whether it’s at elementary, junior high or high school, ����Vlog’s counselors are making a huge impact in students’ lives. Thank you, counselors!