Congratulations to Jill Jahries for being named the Baltimore County Public Schools Middle School Counselor of the Year in recognition of the support she provides to the students of Ridgely Middle School. During a ceremony recognizing her achievement, here's how Ridgely's Principal, Susan Truesdell, described Mrs. Jahries:
"She is a true advocate for students. She is flexible, accessible, compassionate, reflective, insightful, and ridiculously funny."
Mrs. Jahries currently serves the rising eighth-grade at Ridgely as counselor and is chair of the counseling department. She found out that she was selected as this year's winner when colleagues arrived at school to give her balloons, flowers and a cupcake.
"It was a wonderful surprise and honor," she said.
Jill adds that Terri McShain, Ridgely's sixth-grade counselor, and Marie Gagne-Stacy, the eighth-grade counselor, were also nominated for the award this year.
"We have a phenomenal school counseling department and the Ridgely Middle School community is very fortunate to have such skilled and experienced counselors like Mrs. McShain and Mrs. Stacy with us," Jahries said.
Jahries and her husband, Peter, live in Lutherville and are the parents of Jack, Matthew and Ben.
The Counseling Center at Stella Maris is offering assistance to those who are grieving. Designed as one-day retreats are the programs Just Teens (for ages 12 to 17) and Me Too! (for children ages 5 to 11). Reservations are required for participation and those interested can choose to attend on either Saturday, July 30 or Saturday, Aug. 6.
Support groups for those dealing with the loss of a spouse or another loved one will also begin this month at Stella Maris. For more information on registration, the retreats, or support groups offered, call 410-252-4500, ext. 7291.