Counselors are essential to students being successful here at WS. Recently, counselors Steven Myers and Katie Sokolove left WS to pursue other opportunities.
Replacements Jana Biever and Deonte Young are doing their best to continue the work of Myers and Sokolove. But, this isn’t stopping the panic that some seniors have about their college recommendations. Senior Lauren Novak knew Sokolove very well and was very upset to hear about her unexpected exit.
“Oh I was [mad], it’s my senior year and she didn’t even tell me she was leaving, I found out from my mom,” said Novak. “I need my recommendation by October so she put everyone in a difficult position.”
Novak is meeting with new counselor Young to get her recommendation worked out.
“I have worked very closely with Ms. Sokolove to ensure a smooth transition transpires this school year,” said Young.
Having been a high school student himself, he understands the importance of college recommendations.
“I hope to bring a sense of empowerment to all students by helping them realize they can all be great in whatever endeavor they choose,” said Young.
Young has worked in FCPS for four years now and got his master’s degree from VCU in school counseling. His colleague, Biever, got her masters in counseling from GMU. She is starting her counseling career here at WS and is looking forward to helping students recognize and develop their strengths, interests, and goals.
“Mr. Myers has left me with a great group of students and I can’t wait to meet [them],” said Biever, who is also working with students to get their unfinished problems squared away.
Sokolove and Myers will be missed here at WS. They developed personal relationships with students and helped them through any complications that arose. Though things may seem rocky now, there is no doubt that the new counselors are on top of things and are working hard to provide a smooth transition for students. Although it’s sad that Sokolove and Myers are gone, we now have Biever and Young here to take over their duties.
“I will miss Ms. Sokolove and I’m sad she left but I’m excited to get to know Mr. Young,” said sophomore Natalie Points.