Behind every great school is a staff member who makes students feel seen, supported and valued, and this month, that honor goes to Mrs. Hubbard. With her constant encouragement and patience, Mrs. Hubbard has become someone that students can always count on. Her dedication to building genuine connections with the student body is exactly why she deserves to be named our staff member of the month.
Hubbard’s decision to pursue counseling did not begin in a traditional way. Instead, her earlier experiences in athletics helped shape her understanding of students and their needs. Over time, she realized that supporting students both mentally and emotionally was just as important as helping them physically.
“My undergraduate degree was in athletic training. A lot of my rehab with the athletes in South Carolina became more like a psychology session. I was talking to the athletes more about how they were feeling, how to manage emotionally and their injuries and strains from sports. From there, I felt like I could still be connected to athletics if I went into school counseling. I later did some major research and then decided to get my masters degree in school counseling at the University of Lynchburg,” Hubbard said.
As her career developed, Hubbard gained years of experience working closely with students. She built so many great relationships and learned how important daily interactions were in shaping student success. Even when her role changed, that connection to students remained something she deeply valued.
“This is my 26th year working as a school counselor. I spent five years in the district office leading all the counselors K-12 and I missed students terribly. I would often go out to schools just so I could get that interaction,” Hubbard said.
Eventually, an opportunity came that allowed Hubbard to return to the environment she loved most. Being back in a school setting gave her the chance to reconnect with students in a more personal and meaningful way. That decision was also influenced by her own family and her connection to the West community.
“My son was a sophomore here at West at the time, so I really just said ‘why would I not go to West and get to go back to my first love, working with students,’” Hubbard said.
Hubbard’s story shows how passion can truly guide a career. Her commitment to students and her willingness to follow what matters most have made a lasting impact on the school community. It is clear that her dedication, experience, and genuine care for others are what truly make her deserving of being named the staff member of the month.
