March 6, 2019

College Board honors school counselor

Jennifer Kirk, Upper St. Clair High School counselor and curriculum leader, was recently honored by the College Board through the 2019 College Board Counselor Recognition Program. 

“They were nominated for their exemplary work as a Professional School Counselor,” Lorraine Hastings, vice president for counselor community engagement at the College Board, said. “It’s an honor to highlight the important work of innovative, results-oriented counselors who are committed to student success and opportunity.”

Selection criteria included leadership and advocacy in school counseling practices and building collaborative partnerships; development of strategies and programs that encourage family involvement in college and career readiness; proficient use of data; and consistent professional development that focuses on college and career readiness.

Mrs. Kirk, who has served as an Upper St. Clair school counselor for 18 years, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. She is currently enrolled in Northeastern University’s Doctor of Education program with a concentration in curriculum, teaching, learning and leadership.

In April 2018, Mrs. Kirk was honored with the 2018 Chi Sigma Iota, Delta Upsilon Chapter Outstanding Site Supervisor Award from the Duquesne University Counseling Program. In addition, she was named the 2014 Pennsylvania High School Counselor of Year by the Pennsylvania School Counselors Association, where she currently serves as the organization’s secretary.

Mrs. Kirk resides in Upper St. Clair with her husband, George, and their two children, Tyler and Annabelle.