Lake Orion resident Libby Quail has worn many hats in her life ? a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a former teacher and a school counselor. It’s the last one that’s made her award winning.
Quail, a counselor at West Middle School in the Rochester district, was awarded the Counselor of the Year award through the Oakland Counseling Association.
According to Quail, this award is given annually, and the winner is selected from their nominations from parents, colleagues, administrators and students.
‘I was completely surprised by the award,? she said. ‘I had no idea that I had even been nominated for (it).?
‘I am aware of many fine school counselors throughout Oakland County and it has been very humbling to have been chosen for this award,? Quail added.
She has been a counselor at West Middle School for 14 years, and previously worked for four years as a counselor at Adams High School and taught Spanish at the middle and high school levels.
Quail describes her days as ‘very interesting, never dull and always very busy.?
‘I work with two outstanding counselors, and we have a number of classroom presentations that we do throughout the year,? she said, noting they have programs that deal with bullying, conflict resolution, study skills, career preparation, sexual harassment and suicide education and prevention.
‘We also oversee a program for our students who are not being successful academically,? Quail added. ‘We meet with students who are struggling with a variety of issues, ranging from friends, academics, families in crisis, grief and loss, to social skills.?
With each of these programs, Quail said they welcome parent involvement and ‘try to maintain an open door policy to staff, students and parents.?
For Quail, the best part of her job is working with the children.
‘I love working with children and am continually both amazed and touched by their insight and depth,? she added.
Quail has lived in Lake Orion for 35 years with her husband, Tom.
The couple have two sons and two grandchildren (with a third one on the way).
When Quail isn’t at school, she enjoys spending time at her home in her garden, as well as biking and taking walks.