The Counseling Department at Sacred Hearts Academy plays an important role in the life of students. Students can seek counseling not only for academic reasons but also for forming good habits, preparing themselves for the future, deepening their spirituality or help in solving personal problems.
Sacred Hearts has four counselors: Donna Eisen, Lisa Vega, Randy Fong and Sr. Katherine Francis Miller. Eisen and Vega are the academic advisers for the high school. Fong is the senior college counselor. Sr. Katherine Francis is the campus minister.
Vega is the high school academic adviser for last names A to M and Eisen is the academic adviser for last names N to Z. As counselors, they help students with study skills, organization and goal setting. They also help underclassmen prepare for college.
“The first time we call a student to the counselor’s office, she automatically thinks that she’s in trouble but it’s to get to know her better. We talk to students about what they like to do in their spare time, their hobbies and television shows they watch,” said Vega.
Sophomore Briyanna Vitug said, “Mrs. Eisen listens to me when I talk to her. She helps me deal with my problems and gives me advice.”
“Sometimes we are there to listen to their personal problems and help them to cope with them,” said Vega.
Fong is the senior college counselor. He has been at the Academy for 13 years. As counselor, he helps seniors and juniors prepare for SAT and ACT testing, gives out information about financial aid, schedules college speaker visits and helps seniors to get ready for post-graduation plans.
Senior Tricia Khun said, “I visit Mr. Fong in his office to see the college brochures for different colleges.”
Sr. Katherine Francis has been the campus minister for the past 20 years. Her job includes overseeing the spiritual dimension of the school.
“My job is to oversee the masses, prayer services, worship, singing practices and the community service program. I enjoy my job a lot because I get to work with teachers and students to promote the Sacred Hearts community.” said Sr. Katherine.
“In Lit Corps, we lead the singing practices with Sr. Katherine and Sr. Irene. We plan masses, volunteer and help set up the gym. Sr. Katherine chooses the songs and gets the priest for the mass. She is very organized and always prompt. She knows exactly what everyone is in charge of,” said senior Paige Thomas.
From academics to spiritual counseling, the counselors are an important part of the Sacred Hearts Academy community. The Academy is proud to have these inspiring and influential people a part of their students’ lives.
