The winner of this years Educational Service Provider of the year was Mr. Darren Welsh, in the counseling department. The Report interviewed him about his win, and what it means to him.

What exactly is the Educational Services Provider of the Year award?
The Educational Service Professional of the Year is an award given to a certificated staff member (not a teacher) who provides high-quality educational services to students at our school.

How long have you been working in education?
I have been working in public education for 16 years. I previously worked at program that served high school dropouts for three years.

What does it mean to you to have received this award?
It is a great honor because there are so many deserving individuals here at Shawnee. It is recognition for all of the hard work that is put into doing my job.

Did you always know you wanted to go into education?
Not always, but my School Counselor actually recommended that I pursue a career in School Counseling.

Where did you go to school to learn about this subject, and for how long?
I received my Master of Arts degree in Counseling at The College of New Jersey and my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rowan University. It took me a total of 8 years to achieve both degrees.

What is your best memory of working in education, or favorite moment?
I have several but whenever I have a rough day, I always reflect on the positive interactions that I have had with students and on what positive outcomes those students had as a result of our interactions. That reflection really helps and motivates me to get through whatever rough patch I might be faced with.

The Renegade Report would like to congratulate Mr. Welsh on his win for Educational Services Provider of the Year, and would like to thank him for participating in this interview.