The Education Professional Services Of The Year award is given as part of The Governor’s Educator of the Year program. This program, “was developed to acknowledge Teachers and Educational Services Professionals who exhibit outstanding performance both in and out of the classroom.” This year’s recipient for the Education Professional Services Of The Year award is Mrs. Christine Zakk!

Mrs. Zakk is so deserving of this award due to her outstanding efforts here at Hawthorne High School. Just like the other guidance counselors at HHS she helps her students with any questions they may have, scheduling their classes for next year, college questions and sends all the paperwork to the colleges her students are applying to.

She also plans the scholarship night every year and has even adapted to making the ceremony virtual for the class of 2020. On top of planning the event, she also handles the hundreds of scholarship applications she gets every year. As one of her students, I can confidently say that Mrs. Zakk exceeds the criteria needed for winning this award such as “serves as an exceptionally skilled and dedicated educator in a public or charter school” and “inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn.”

Recently I was able to speak with her about her recent achievement and her experience as being a guidance counselor here at HHS.

The Clarion: How does it feel to win this award and what was your initial reaction to finding out you won?

Mrs. Zakk: I was really shocked. I never really expect any kind of recognition for the work that I do, so it was a bit overwhelming, in the best way!

The Clarion: What made you decide to be a guidance counselor?

Mrs.Zakk:  I always knew I wanted to do something in the “helping field” when I was growing up; when I had an opportunity to shadow some high school classes as an undergraduate student, I knew I wanted to work with high school students. It’s an extremely rewarding experience to be able to help students with navigating through their high school careers.

The Clarion: How has being a guidance counselor changed since the pandemic?

Mrs.Zakk:  It has definitely been a challenge. When the pandemic first started and we were all fully remote, it was really hard to be able to connect with my students and provide the best support to them. We can all agree that communicating virtually is much different than doing so in person. Once we transitioned into a hybrid model, it made things easier, but there were still students that likely needed support, but weren’t as easily available. Now things are getting a little more “normal”, and it’s really refreshing to be able to see my students again on a regular basis.

The Clarion: What is your favorite part about being a guidance counselor and HHS?

Mrs. Zakk:  Working with all of the students here at HHS really makes my job great. I have worked in other districts, and I can honestly say Hawthorne students are kind, polite, and very considerate. I’m so lucky to work with such great kids!

Being the person who organizes the scholarship night every year as well as handles all the applications, what’s this process like for you every year? And how has the pandemic affected this?

Mrs. Zakk: The scholarship program is a huge undertaking that I am constantly working on. As soon as the program wraps, I am already planning the next one. The pandemic forced me to completely improvise the program in 2020, where the program was entirely virtual. I basically taught myself iMovie to create it! As sad as it was to not have the program in person, it turned out wonderful for our hard-working seniors. Last year, we were able to bring the program back in person. Additionally, the student’s applications used to be entirely paper-based, but to limit the handling of paperwork, I transitioned the application to be fully online. I try to make positive adjustments every year to make the process as smooth as possible for students and the organizations that contribute so generously.

The Clarion: Being a guidance counselor is there a certain part of the year that you always look forward to, such as graduation or the scholarship ceremony? Why?

Mrs.Zakk:  Selfishly I do love Scholarship Night. I work really hard all year, so when it finally comes, I always reflect on all of the students’ accomplishments. I am always so proud to see it unfold. Graduation is always bitter-sweet… I hate saying goodbye to my seniors!

The Clarion: What’s a piece of advice you would give to your students?

Mrs.Zakk:  Everything counts in high school! Putting your best foot forward in your classes is so important. My seniors ALWAYS say they wish they tried harder and were more involved. That being said, be sure to allow yourself a healthy school/life balance. High School can be stressful, but managing your time appropriately and giving yourself a break when you need it is SO important. And if you are stressed, worried, confused, or just need some help, come see me! 🙂 

The Clarion: Is there anyone you’d like to thank in regards to this honor?

Mrs.Zakk: I’m thankful to those who nominated me for such a great recognition.

I would like to thank Mrs. Zakk for taking the time out of her busy schedule to answer my questions and wish her a big congratulations from me and the entire Clarion staff!