During the month of February, National School Counseling Week is celebrated each year across our nation. It is an important week to honor our counselors and all the hard work they put into every school and student each year.
We have fourteen counselors at CF due to our 3000+ student body: Sierra Billhimer, Johnna Botse-Baidoo, Melissa Cannon, Pamela Colvard, Christine Dauphinais, Lisa Landon, Kelly Lee, Kim McCray, Kim Napolitano (lead counselor), Laurie Praefke, Kirkley Russell, Erika Tobrocke, and Samantha Wood.
Melissa Cannon (registrar), Kelly Lee (data quality clerk), and Amy Mehan (counseling administrative assistant) are also part of the counseling staff.
Kim Napolitano expressed, “All are dynamic and much needed to keep our department and students going! We would be lost without them!
The American School Counselor Association shares, “National School Counseling Week, presented by ASCA, highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. National School Counseling Week is always celebrated the first full week in February.”
When asked what she loves most about her job, Sierra Billhimer said, “My favorite part is helping kids and helping them find their purpose. I love being an advocate for them.”
Each of these people play an important role in the success of each student. As a counselor, they help guide each student to graduation day. They are parental figures helping out with life as a teenager/making their way through high school giving advice and words of encouragement.
According to the American School Counslor Assosication, “the term ‘“guidance counselor”’ was used to refer to counselors working in the schools. This term has evolved to “school counselor” as the scope of duties has changed and evolved. Although some schools still used the outdated “guidance counselor” term, the American School Counselor Association encourages the use of “school counselor” to more accurately reflect the role.”
Michael Cheney, a senior, said, “My counselor helped me with my college application process and made it so much easier for me. I am thankful for her help during this important time in my life.”
We appreciate our school counselors so much! They go above and beyond to ensure our success as students, not only in high school but in college as well. We are so thankful for all they have done and will continue to do for us at Carolina Forest. Thank YOU!
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