Kenwood, Von Steuben and Phoenix Military Academy’s counseling departments were all recently awarded the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) award. The counseling departments at each school won this award because they showed their communities and school boards that they’re committed to delivering exemplary counseling programs. Each of the schools submitted short essays that their students wrote about their counselors. Continue to read on to find out how counselors have helped each of these students and also learn why you need to schedule an appointment with your guidance counselor today!

The Guidance Department in Kenwood is not just an office with desks, pens and papers; it is a small home where everyone’s counselor knows their ward by heart and from the heart. When I moved here from Ghana the first person I met was Ms. Parker, she was beyond nice and until now my mom and I marvel at her niceness. We still for some reason await the day she will snap, but she never has. In fact she continues to be nicer each day. She offered me more than help with scheduling my classes, she offered me her wings, to shield and guide me; and since then I have not left that warm, comfortable and disciplined place. She continues to shower her abundant love and that to me is simply- for lack of a better word fabulous. The counselors at our school don’t just listen to our problems and help us solve them,they take an extra step and follow-up with us. They adore their work make very difficult sacrifices which I sometimes get amazed when they do. They comply and reply to our requests which is very effective and convenient for us.

-Written by Celestina Agyekum, a student from Kenwood

I’m Deidra Tarver, a senior at Kenwood Academy. I’ve been at Kenwood for four years. At Kenwood Academy, the school counselors stress the importance of knowing your counselor. The counseling department is there whenever you need them. I can always count on the counselors when I need a letter of recommendation or some advice. The counselors were there during my college application process and gave me scholarship applications as well. Due to the counselors, I have received acceptance to Bradley University, Howard University, and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. All the colleges gave me scholarship money and Bradley University gave me a full tuition scholarship. I owe it all to the Kenwood Academy Counseling Department for that extra step they take for all the students. Ms.Lynda Parker and Dr. Shelby Wyatt were really helpful people during this stressful and exciting time in my life.

-Written by Deidra Tarver, a senior at Kenwood Academy

High school counselors are the backbone of the education progression. They are essential allies in the student’s battle toward acquiring and maintaining a notable high school career. Forming a relationship with my counselors has provided me with countless opportunities that I would have never been able to find on my own. I have been prepped for interviews, assisted in the completion of several scholarships, and received useful advice for practical situations. Without the aid of my counselors, I am certain that I would not be attending a prestigious four-year university in the fall, and I definitely would not be on the productive path that I am on now. I am grateful for the role that my counselors have played in planning my future and I encourage my peers to reach out and receive the same benefits from their high school counselors.

-Written by Tanzania Glover, Senior at Phoenix Military Academy

Throughout my four years at Von Steuben High School, I have come to learn that I can always come down to the safe haven of room 109 to ask Ms. Kwan for help. Whether it has to do with Service-Learning hours or problematic teachers, I know I will always find the answers I am looking for. I have especially come to rely on Ms. Kwan this year for help with my college stress, scholarships, job search, etc

Ms. Kwan put this abundant amount of time and effort into each of her students, but she also finds a way to go above and beyond. I will never forget the ways that Ms. Kwan has personally affected me. I have recently won a scholarship that required much planning and scheduling. This would not have been possible without the hours and hours of help Ms. Kwan put in. her assistance continued past school hours and came in forms of e-mails and much needed phone calls. Because of her contributions, the scholarship turned out to be a huge success.

One of Ms. Kwan’s great achievements is Link Crew – a freshman transition program. She has been working diligently on this project since the spring of 2007, in preparation of this year’s freshman class. From the very beginning of the project, Ms. Kwan has put great care into every single detail. To kick-off the Link Crew program, she made sure to pick quality leaders. Through applications and interviews, Ms. Kwan insured that the freshman class would be led by positive role models. After the Link Crew leaders were chosen, we were not left out to dry. Several days worth of training, both at the end of last school year and the beginning of this school year, prepared us for the 500 plus freshmen that we were to guide. These training days were packed with ice breaker games as well as other ways to teach us how to deal with the new comers. Ms. Kwan focused on purpose. She made sure to teach us that we were not just playing tag to have a good time, but that we were playing the game to build teamwork and trust within the freshman class. It came as no surprise that Link Crew turned out to be very successful. Honest friendships have been formed between the freshmen as well as between the freshmen and upperclassmen.

Even though Link Crew was created to help freshmen, I am very grateful for the program. Having participated in the program has allowed me to see that I truly enjoy interacting with people and has helped me decide that I want to major in communications. Because of the Link Crew and other numerous ways Ms. Kwan has assisted me throughout the years, I now feel ready and prepared to go out into the real world.

-Written by Audrey Hutnick, Senior at Von Steuben High School

As a Link Crew leader, I have been able to accomplish many positive things. Yet, this would not have been possible if it were not for my Link Crew coordinator, Ms. Suzie Kwan. With her positive attitude, dedication and direction, she has given me more enthusiasm to be a great leader. Ms. Kwan has personally helped me in one-on-one settings. She has supervised me on how well I am doing my job and has given me advice to lead my group successfully. She has also influenced me to try new things with my group. Each time she has a new activity she knows I would be able to do with the group, she personally looks for me to give all the details. Overall, with Kwan’s guidance, I have been able to become the very successful leader that I am.

All in all, being a Link Crew leader has given me the chance to make a difference in ten lives. Thanks to Ms. Kwan and the Link Crew, I know that I can be a great leader in my school and community. I have had many experiences and feel prepared to go ahead in the next stage of my life.

-Written by Ilyana Pinduisaca, A Senior at Von Steuben High School