At Lakewood High School, the work of counselors often happens long before a student ever steps into the guidance office. While most students know them as the people who fix schedules or answer quick questions, counselors spend their days tracking grades, monitoring attendance, and making sure every scholar stays on the path that leads to graduation and life. Their job blends academic oversight with personal support, and the impact reaches far beyond the classroom.
“One of the major things that we as counselors do for students is try to stay on top of them with their responsibilities. If they start missing class, we talk with them to ensure that they are okay,” says Erika Sanferraro, the ninth-grade counselor. Sanferarro has students when they are first starting high school, so she has the biggest responsibility of keeping them on track.
Lakewood has high expectations with AP classes, several magnet programs, sports, and extracurricular activities. Counselors keep a close eye on student activity. They review grade reports and attendance patterns to catch problems early, often reaching out before a student realizes they’re slipping behind.
Their work also includes opening doors to opportunities that many students might not know exist. At Lakewood, counselors nominate students for academic programs, leadership conferences, dual‑enrollment courses, and scholarships. They help students navigate through applications, essays, and deadlines. Whether it’s a journalism workshop, a CAT internship, or a college readiness program, counselors often serve as the link between students and the opportunities that shape their futures.
“I will do everything in my power to ensure the success of my students. If I must reach out to a school myself, I will.” Says Center for Advanced Technology (CAT) Counselor, Stephen Schindler, speaks about how he helps students.
But counselors also support students as people, not just learners. Lakewood’s fast‑paced environment can be stressful, and counselors are often the adults students turn to when they’re overwhelmed or unsure how to handle a situation. They help students navigate personal challenges, build communication skills, and learn how to advocate for themselves
Much of what counselors do is invisible to the rest of the school, but its effects are long‑lasting. From monitoring academic progress to connecting students with opportunities they never expected, Lakewood’s counselors help shape the paths students take both during high school and long after they leave our beautiful campus.
