Appreciating the Heart of WG: Counselors and Supportive Resources

Walnut Grove High School celebrates Mrs. Cook, Mrs. Desjarlais, Mrs. McCollum, and Mrs. Battenfeld to show their appreciation for everything they do to guide, support, and advocate for WG students.
​by Kimaya Campbell and Rylee Watson

​School counselors play a big role in helping students not only academically, but also life beyond the classroom. For Walnut Grove support staff, they dedicate their time to navigating the complexities of education, fostering resilience, and empowering students to achieve future careers goals. Their work, often unseen, forms a significant difference in a student's journey. Mrs. Cook shared, “No two days are the same, and no two students are the same—which keeps things interesting. I really enjoy helping students understand their options after high school—college, work, military, all of it.” Counseling extends far beyond administrative duties; it’s about creating a supportive environment, equipping students with tools used to overcome challenges, and fueling dedication to meet goals. 

Mrs. McCollum has always had a passion for supporting people, “I’ve always wanted to help people in some way. When I became a teacher I realized that the part I most liked about my job was talking to students about real world ‘life problems’ more than I enjoyed teaching science.” Staff members’ strive to be personable and open-minded, ensuring students feel supported when making academic decisions or facing personal challenges. Mrs. Cook expressed, “I barely knew my own high school counselor… I don’t want my students to feel that way. I wanted to be present, approachable, and someone students actually know they can go to when they have questions—or when they realize they probably should’ve asked earlier.” 

Mrs. Battenfeld plays a big role in supporting students' academic planning, personal growth, and future preparation. She is known for her calm presence and dedication to student success, she works closely with students as they navigate academic responsibilities, future planning, and personal challenges.  Another supportive staff member, Mrs. Desjarlais, is a big advocate for students at Walnut Grove High School providing guidance that helps students feel more confident in both their academic and personal decisions. Desjarlais works closely with students to help them understand graduation requirements, manage responsibilities, and plan ahead for life after high school.

When students reach out to our supportive staff members, our counselors draw upon their own past challenges or similar roles, understanding their struggle and fostering a sense of perspective. Past experiences involving students are crucial for improving trust with students, as our staff continues to provide invaluable empathy, insight, and dependability throughout each session.

Mrs. Cook described a defining moment, “I had a student who really struggled in the traditional school setting because of serious home-life and medical issues. School wasn’t their priority because survival was. We talked through other options, and they ended up graduating through Foothills. Seeing that student not only graduate, but then go on to start college and work at the same time was huge. It was a reminder that success doesn’t look the same for everyone—and sometimes the most important thing we do is help students find a path that actually fits their life.”

We need to celebrating Mrs. Cook, Mrs. Desjarlais, Mrs. McCollum, and Mrs. Battenfield to acknowledge their crucial role in students’ success. Recognizing their dedication and highlighting the importance of their guidance and support, ultimately empowering students to achieve their full potential.