Super Counselor: Jill Werner, counselor at New Berlin West High School in New Berlin, Wis.
Nominator: Principal Dave LaBorde
Every morning Jill Werner is reminded to seize the day. “Carpe diem is the quote that shows up when I turn my cell phone on every morning,” she says. “It reminds me that we only have one chance to make the most of the day at hand, and I try to do just that.”
And that’s exactly the ideal Werner utilizes with her students. “I try to get them to see past an unfortunate circumstance and look to their future,” she says. “They get the most out of their days only if they can find something positive to look forward to and work towards.”
Principal Dave LaBorde sees Werner as a role model for students unsure of their plans after high school. Her optimistic outlook for her students is an inspiring characteristic. “Jill has the ability to see the intrinsic good in everybody,” he says. “She does not quit on a student and constantly strives to find a better program that will work for each and every person.”
In fact, Werner meets with each and every sophomore to discuss ACT and PSAT testing and holds conferences for every junior and their parents. “In my opinion, Jill is the best counselor I have ever seen or worked directly with,” LaBorde says. “She is my ‘right arm’ here at school.”