Estelle M., 2nd Grade
Wise Counsel Minnesota Secondary Counselor of the Year: “The mental health needs of students do not shut off like a light switch when summer hits.” By Bruce Lombard, MSBA Associate Director of Communications and Marketing This past spring, Amanda Bomstad was named the Minnesota Secondary Counselor of the Year by the Minnesota School Counselors Association. Bomstad — a counselor at Mankato West High School — said she was surprised and honored when she heard the news.
Amanda Bomstad
“The acknowledgement is a testament to the work I do as an advocate for the students and families I serve as a school counselor,” Bomstad said. “I enjoy all elements of school counseling: academic selections, college and career planning, and the social-emotional development of students throughout their educational journey.” Bomstad graduated from Atwater-CosmosGrove City (ACGC) High school before earning Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Minnesota, Morris — with majors in psychology and human services, and a sociology minor. She later completed her master’s degree in professional school counseling from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She has been a high school counselor for 15 years — her first seven with Owatonna High School and the last eight with Mankato West. She also is licensed as a K-12 principal, a
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position she has yet to pursue. In addition to her state award, Bomstad was selected for consideration for national recognition through the American School Counselors Association (ASCA). Bomstad said she is currently working on completing her ASCA nomination and will head to Washington D.C., this winter for the ceremony and professional development opportunities. MSBA: As a school counselor, what are the social-emotional needs that students will have to deal with over the summer and to prepare for fall classes? AMANDA BOMSTAD: The mental health needs of students do not shut off like a light switch when summer hits. We have many community resources that are available to students and families. As a school counselor I am accessible to students and families via email when questions or concerns arise. MSBA: What can school boards do to not only help students prepare academically, but socially, especially if co-curriculars and sports may be canceled again in the fall?
MINNESOTA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION | JOURNAL
