Four school counselors from Bluffton-Harrison Metropolitan School District were recognized Wednesday with an Award for Excellence for Outstanding Secondary School Counseling/Career Services Program from the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet.
Allison Harter and Stephanie White of Bluffton-Harrison Middle School and Jodi Leas and Sebastian Baxter of Bluffton High School were honored during an awards ceremony in Indianapolis to celebrate secondary and postsecondary students, programs of study, employer partnerships, and guidance programs in career and technical education throughout the state.
Brittany Kloer, CTE Director of the Area 18 Cooperative, nominated the group for their work in preparing BHMSD students for post-graduation success — whether in college or in the workforce.
At BHMS, eighth graders are exposed to different career opportunities through a new “Preparing for College and Careers” course. As high school students, they have the opportunity to enroll in a variety of career-centric courses, earn industry-level certifications, and participate in the annual Triple E Day, which promotes employment in a career, enrollment in college, or enlisting in the military.
“The Bluffton-Harrison School Counselors have a strong enthusiasm for career exploration and have had a direct impact on the number of students wanting to pursue several CTE programs through the Area 18 district,” Kloer said in her nomination letter. “It has been a pleasure to work with Bluffton-Harrison School Counselors and observe the professional connection during their years providing quality Career and Technical Education to the students of Area 18.”
She says BHMSD counselors are an advocate for CTE programming and are dedicated to “provide a pipeline of employees to our community.” She also cited the high success rate in career preparedness courses at BHS in her nomination.
“Bluffton-Harrison M.S.D. is blessed to have caring, hard working individuals supporting our students in our middle and high schools,” Superintendent Dr. Brad Yates said. “Our guidance department works tirelessly to provide opportunities for students to thrive both in school and beyond. BHMSD couldn’t be more proud of this well deserved recognition.”
