The roots run deep for Mrs. Hester at Walton-Verona High School. As a WV alumni, Mrs. Hester could not help but return for a career in teaching, eventually changing it to counseling. The time she spent with students as a counselor, numbering about seven years, increased her compassion for the school every semester: “I love WV and want to help ensure that WVHS students have the same outstanding experiences and opportunities that I did during my time here. I have an immense amount of pride in my school and care deeply that WVHS continues to be a school of choice in the NKY area.” Mrs. Hester sees both what it means to be a Bearcat and the exceptional opportunities the future could hold.
Even when she was a counselor, the WVHS community knew the benefits she could bring to her future position: “I have been very lucky to work for talented and caring school leaders who encouraged me to take on a leadership role.” She is handling the tasks accompanying the title of Assistant Principal swiftly to provide a safe environment for all students. In order to create such an environment, an AP must be ready to resolve issues at a moment’s notice. She describes the joy she receives from the position: “I am very much a solution oriented person and this position allows me to solve more problems for students than in my previous role—even though students don’t always see it that way.” Mrs. Hester understands the benefits of correction, but also knows it is not always well-received.
Perhaps part of her for-the-better spirit originates from her own experience. She attributes her relationship-making ability to her membership of the millennial generation which combined both tradition and technology. Another pillar in the construction of her sentiment for WV is the family she has within the community. “Being a Bearcat is truly a family affair for me,” she explains, illustrating the connection she has with the school, “My husband works at WV, my two kids attend school here, almost all of my closest friends work here and their kids attend school here, my sister works here, my entire family lives in Walton or Verona and my 13 nieces and nephews already attend or will attend school here.” The thoughtfulness she brings to the job is for the family she brought to Walton-Verona High School and the family she has found.
Her character and effort are appreciated especially by her coworkers, including Mr. Nash: “She has a get things done attitude,” pointing out the strengths she utilizes in her career, “She is always student focused and she can bring some of her skills as a counselor to work through conflict resolution.” Mr. Nash and others have had the chance to watch her grow throughout her time as a Bearcat and are eager for what is to come. Though her responsibilities have shifted, she is still the same kind-hearted person, giving students what they need to excel in both their high school career and beyond.
