When you walked into the guidance office, door number one used to lead you to the A-D guidance counselor Mrs. Probst. However,  Friday was Mrs. Probst’s final day working at Westhampton Beach; she is now the Director of Academic Advancement for the West Hempstead School District.

As a Director of Academic Advancement, Mrs. Probst will be overseeing the guidance office and working with the other administrators and teachers to improve student performance. The difference between being a guidance counselor and a director of guidance is a director oversees the whole department while a guidance counselors have a caseload of students they are responsible for.

Students of Mrs. Probst describe her as nice, friendly, optimistic, trustworthy and welcoming. Emily Bak said, “Mrs. Probst helped out a lot over the past couple of years in high school, so I will miss her help.” Gianna Acampora agreed, “Ms. Probst made high school easier because I knew I always had somebody to trust. If I ever had a problem she would be there for me and I had no doubt confiding in her.”

2013 alumni Danielle Acampora said, “Ms. Probst helped me with my college search during my senior year. She was such a huge help, and I wouldn’t be at a SUNY school without her help.” Danielle also added, “Thank you again for being there for me the four years of my high school life.You were such a nice person and also a role model for me.”

Ms. Probst said she wanted to be a guidance counselor because she always felt strongly about the importance of post-high school planning.  “Where a student goes after high school (whether that’s college, trade school, work, or the military) has a significant impacts on the path a student’s life can take. I wanted to be part of shaping that path,” she said.

Her favorite part about being a guidance counselor is how rewarding it is to meet a student in ninth grade and get to know them throughout the four years and then see where they go after high school.

Mrs. Probst talked about some of her favorite memories at Westhampton Beach.   One memory that stood out was a sophomore college trip to Boston. “I will always remember our first trip to Boston (this year’s seniors were sophomores at the time). A broken down bus on the ferry and a snowstorm in October are hard to forget!” Mrs. Probst also added with the circumstances, the students and chaperones were amazing and we had a great experience.

The hardest part about leaving WHBHS for Mrs. Probst is all of the students she is leaving behind. She said, “When I came to Westhampton Beach [five years ago], I didn’t know anyone at all and the students here were so extremely welcoming. I will also really miss the faculty and staff here; especially my ‘guidance family.’”

Ms. Probst continued, “Westhampton Beach is a very special place and I am lucky to have worked here. I always have said I hit the jackpot when I became a counselor here and I really mean that. I wish the students and staff here all the best in the future. Keep striving to be the very best you can be. Cherish your time here as Hurricanes. I know I will.”

Good luck in your new position Ms. Probst! You will be missed!