Staff report
This past week was National School Counseling Week, celebrating the job school counselors do across the country.
“I think our school counselors do a great job of advising kids, leading them in a great direction, giving them a lot of different options as far as classes to take and what that would mean for them when they leave school,” Lincoln Parish Superintendent Ricky Durrett said. “When kids leave school, whether it be trade, school, workforce, college, the requirements required for college, the counselors are making sure those kids are prepared for taking the classes and knowing the requirements for TOPS, which is huge for families. I just think all of our counselors across our high schools and our schools in general do a great job of working with kids and building relationships with them and being there when when they need them.”
The LPJ reached out to every high school counselor in Lincoln Parish. Here is what they said about the work they do:
Tisha Vernon, Counselor – Simsboro School
“My favorite aspect of being a school counselor is being there for my students when they need support the most. I take great pride in empowering them to confront their challenges and grow as individuals. High school counselors play a crucial role because students face more than just academic pressures; they need guidance, support, and someone to help them navigate the complexities of transitioning into adulthood.”
Amy McGuire, Counselor – Choudrant High School
“I enjoy being a school counselor because I get to help students navigate their challenges, guide them toward their future, and make a lasting impact on their lives. I hope the relationships we build and the support we provide make a real difference in the student’s growth. School counselors are crucial in high schools because they offer emotional support, academic guidance, and career preparation. We help students manage stress, plan for the future, and address mental health needs, ensuring students thrive during a critical stage of development.
Kellye Ratcliff, Freshman Counselor – Ruston High School
“I love being a high school guidance counselor because it allows me to make a positive impact on students’ lives during a pivotal time in their development. Helping them navigate academic challenges, personal growth, and future planning brings me a sense of fulfillment. Guidance counselors are crucial in schools because we provide emotional support and advocate for students’ well-being. We play a vital role in helping students build confidence, resilience, and a clearer path forward. By guiding them through difficult situations, my goal is to contribute to their long-term success and happiness.”
Tatum Mitchell, Sophomore Counselor – Ruston High School
“I love my job as a school counselor! Everyday I get to uplift and empower young people to believe in themselves. The opportunity to watch each student discover their own unique potential is something I truly cherish. Having a counselor at the heart of every school ensures that no student ever feels lost or alone. I whole-heartedly believe in the Proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and I’m honored to be a small part of each student’s “village”.
Stacy Doyal-Hunt, Counselor – Cedar Creek School
“In high school, I was blessed with school counselors who took an active interest in helping me plan for my future. They shared resources and opportunities with me that allowed me to prepare for an excellent college experience and set me on a career path that fit my personality, interests, and abilities. And when I had a rough day or fell short of my goals, my counselors gave me a chance to talk through my concerns so that I could learn from mistakes and try again. Those moments set school counselors as my role models, and I strive to be as supportive as they were.”
Lindsey O’Neal, Counselor – Cedar Creek School
“Seeing the positive influence that others had on my life as I navigated college and early adulthood, I knew that I wanted to pursue a profession that allowed me to positively impact the next generation. Every student needs a community of support around them. As a school counselor, I am able to take a holistic approach in working with our students. Beyond working with the student, I am able to help parents/guardians best understand how to support their student in their moments of need. What a privilege it is to be in a profession that allows me the ability to pour into our Cedar Creek students and Ruston community.”
Diana Humphries, Junior Counselor – Ruston High School
“The reason I love working as a school counselor is simple: the job is all about the students. School counseling is assisting students in navigating the world of high school and preparing them for the world after high school. Helping teenagers with their social, emotional, and academic well-being is a huge responsibility. While I always want to help students and make a difference in each life, the impact is ALWAYS the difference the students make in my life!”
Erin Henderson, Senior Counselor – Ruston High School
“I love being a high school counselor because it gives me the opportunity to build relationships with my students and support them through some of the most important years of their lives. Helping students and their parents navigate this stage of life, problem-solve, and find solutions is incredibly rewarding, especially when I see students achieve their goals. One of my favorite things is running into past students and hearing about their journeys since high school— I’m always so proud to see how far they’ve come. Also, I love the day to day moments of laughter, listening to their jokes or stories, and reminding them of all the things they’ve done right. Seeing their confidence grow with a little bit of encouragement makes every day worthwhile.”
