Summit’s post-high school counselor, Ivy Hartman has been chosen as Rockwood School District’s High School Counselor of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year. As post-high school counselor, Hartman works with students and parents to find the right path after graduation.
Hartman said that her job can’t be completed alone, and she works with a variety of other people in order to find the best option for students that come to her.
“[My main responsibility] is making sure that every student has a post-secondary plan. I think that’s not just Mrs. Hartman, that’s all the teachers, all the counselors, all of us working together to make sure [students] have a plan,” Hartman said.
Senior Aliza Carlson said Hartman was helpful in finding opportunities for scholarships that will allow her to carry out her plan for higher education.
“She helped me find how to apply for school-specific competitive scholarships, which I ended up winning one, so that was something that really, really helped me with figuring out college things and paying for college,” Carlson said.
Hartman said that her favorite part of her job is working with students directly and helping them
“It sounds cliche, but the best day I have is the day I get to spend with students. Not answering emails, not putting together a powerpoint; it’s really getting to know you guys and making a difference in your life,” Hartman said.
Senior Isabella Rivera said Hartman does well staying in contact with her as they work out plans for her career after high school.
“She’ll even send me emails throughout the time, and she’ll tell me different programs that I can join to help get [credits during college with Behavioral Health Support Program] so I can get put into a job immediately,” Rivera said.
Carlson said that Hartman deserves the title she’s been given as Counselor of the Year because she works hard to help the student body at Summit.
“She deserves Counselor of the Year because she’s been making a huge effort to help students, especially juniors and seniors that are trying to go to college and figure out what they’re doing after high school. She’s been really helpful to me personally as well as a lot of other people,” Carlson said.
Hartman said that being named High School Counselor of the Year gave her confidence in her own abilities as counselor.
“It’s better than a paycheck, honestly. Today, I’m walking around a little lighter and I feel more credible and appreciated,” Hartman said.
