Over the summer, West Fork High School (WFHS) Lead Counselor Amber Smith was named Region 6 Secondary Counselor of the Year. After being nominated by her fellow counselors, Mrs. Smith was selected from a pool of exemplary counselors from around Region 6.
With over 15 years of experience in New Caney ISD, Mrs. Smith is well-known for the care and support she gives her students.
“Mrs. Smith is a model counselor,” Counseling Director Janet Graczyk said. “[She] helps her students excel both personally and academically. She cares about her students and works to instill in them integrity, passion, and confidence.”
Mrs. Smith became an educator because she was inspired by her own counselor at New Caney High School. After graduating from New Caney ISD, Mrs. Smith went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology before returning to the district to teach.
Mrs. Smith began her career at Kings Manor Elementary (KME) where she taught second and fourth grade, before moving up to become a counselor at Woodridge Forest Middle School (WFMS). Smith then moved to West Fork High School, where she has won the CREST (Counselors Reinforcing Excellence in Students in Texas) award for the counseling program every year since opening.
Throughout her time in NCISD, Mrs. Smith’s favorite part has been watching her students grow and be successful in their day to day lives. Since KME feeds into WFMS, and WFMS feeds into WFHS, Mrs. Smith has gotten the unique opportunity to watch her students grow up and guide them along the way.
“[My favorite part] is seeing the progress,” Smith said. “It's like building blocks. If they are successful in their day to day, then they have successful weeks, then successful months, then successful years.”
According to WFHS Principal Bridgett Heine, Mrs. Smith’s impact is felt across the campus.
“[Students] feel supported and heard because of her genuine care and concern,” Heine said. “She is hardworking, an advocate for students, and passionate about implementing a school wide comprehensive counseling program.”
When asked about her career as an educator, Mrs. Smith attributes her success to her time spent in New Caney ISD.
“I know it's cliché, but [New Caney ISD] has really made me who I am,” Smith said. “If it weren’t for the district, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today. I love just being able to pour back into the kids and the community that gave so much to me.”