Guidance Counselor Mrs. Kelly Fink Receives National Recognition!
Lutheran Northwest is very proud to announce that Mrs. Fink, our amazing guidance counselor, has received a very prestigious award from ACT. Mrs. Fink has been awarded the “2018 ACT College and Career Readiness Champion.” ACT only gives this award out to one K-12 educator from each state. That means nationwide, there were only fifty K-12 educators who won this award, and Mrs. Fink was one of them! Here is a brief description of the award from ACT:
“The ACT College and Career Readiness Champions are individuals across the country who support ACT’s mission of education and workplace success. They are high school seniors, K-12, postsecondary, and workforce professionals, who have demonstrated exemplary behavior and contributions in support of college and career readiness in their respective communities.”
We give thanks to God for blessing Lutheran Northwest with Mrs. Fink as she works tirelessly with our students!
Here are some thoughts from Mrs. Fink as she reflects on the award.
“After completing a Bachelor’s degree in secondary education, I started my career in education teaching English at LHNW. As God’s call to be a high school counselor had been already put on my heart, I began my Masters in Counseling at Oakland University immediately. It is a blessing to have spent 14 years at Lutheran High Northwest. There are administrative tasks that fill each day with planning college visits, Career Day, curriculum, or PSAT testing days, but I am blessed to spend the majority of my days meeting with students. Whether dreaming and planning with students about how to use their God- given gifts for future career choices, working with them on how to become a better student, or counseling them through an anxiety-laden morning, each day is unique and gives ample opportunity to share the love of Christ with them.
While I try my best to love and care for these students, the LHNW family has blessed my children and me more than words can express. After my husband died last January, the outpouring of love and support was amazing. The flexibility that allows me to balance time with students here and yet be available on those days that my own child is sick or has a special chapel performance, has allowed my family and me to survive this year. In addition, the prayers and words of support nurtures my heart on those days that are especially tough. For this I am truly grateful.
When not at Lutheran Northwest, my time is filled with activities with my ten-year old girls, Grace and Kayleigh, and my 8-year old son, Caleb. Between sports practices and scout activities, we find plenty to keep us busy. I am able to squeeze in my favorite Women’s Bible study fellowship time, a book club with friends, and my daily walk (my own form of personal therapy!).
As this ACT award highlights my work to help students in College and Career readiness it makes me reflect on what that means. To me, the most important part of college and career readiness is helping students to discover and develop their unique God-given gifts and abilities. Educators must teach, by example and direct instruction, skills that go beyond the basics of math and English. Helping students grow in grit and determination will help them as they face adversity, and teaching non-cognitive skills like communication and conflict resolution will help them in relationships now and in their future career as they are witnesses for Christ to the community around them.”
- Mrs. Kelly Fink