School Staff Spotlight: James Kenan High

Kris McDaniel, College Adviser for James Kenan High in Duplin County

Being a college adviser can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. However, this doesn’t mean it can’t sometimes be overwhelming or stressful. From hosting events, sharing college resources, all the way to contacting parents, there are many hats a college adviser wears in order to make sure their students are successful. With that being said, it can be easy for a college advisor to fall into the trap of tackling everything by themselves.

I quickly fell into this trap, believing I could create a college-going culture within my school and solve all the problems by myself. For first-year advisers especially, navigating the community within the school can be difficult. Some teachers may be eager to help while other teachers may prefer to let the college adviser handle everything.

One of the most important things I’ve learned over the course of the school year is that there are teachers willing to go above and beyond for their students in order to make sure they are successful as well. 

First I’d like to highlight Mrs. Rachel Pender, who has been instrumental in helping me to reach and connect with students. As the english teacher for seniors, she’s a valuable resource since all seniors must take her class in order to graduate. From helping me plan events, to joining me in the gym (pictured above) to talking with seniors, she’s been very supportive and understanding throughout the entire process.

Second, I’d like to recognize Mrs. Lynn Oakes, who has been equally important in providing her support. Even though she is the guidance assistant and her main duties revolve around new enrollments and distributing packets to students, this hasn’t stopped her from assisting me in planning virtual events, teaching me helpful strategies when talking with parents, and lending a helpful hand whenever she’s available.

Without these two amazing staff members and their guidance, my first year advising would have been exponentially more difficult!