Susan Stacy, Webster Thomas High School

A Counselor from Webster Thomas High School was paid the ultimate compliment by a former graduate. We surprise Susan Stacy with a News 8 Golden Apple Award.

Mrs. Stacy is the Lead Counselor at Webster Thomas. She has a case load of more than 200 kids but gets to know each student. "Well because they're each individuals and you have to spend time with each one of them. So you get to know them and see what they need."

Principal Glenn Widor says Susan is especially good at making each student feel important. "I think it's that time that you take and the interest that you take in the individual stories that kids have. And really wanting every kid to succeed."

2010 Grad Nino Garzone is one of those kids. "Basically she took me all the from Junior year up to where I am now. Still writing me reference letters and stuff like that, so. She's just helped me out a lot."

We hid in the Main Office waiting for Ms. Stacy to walk in on us. When she did Nino popped out and surprised her. He'd just returned from Florida. Nino is studying at Jacksonville University. He wants to become a lawyer or sports agent. "She inspired me out a lot. She helped me with scholarships. I definitely needed the money for school. She never stopped caring really."

"It's just so important to keep that relationship going" says Susan. "Once you're their school counselor you're their school counselor for life. Even into college. You just stay with them, you stick with them. You help them out with whatever they need."

Susan Stacy is a News 8 Golden Apple Award winner. You can read the wonderful letter we got from Nino nominating her below.

Dear News 8,

Throughout my high school career Mrs. Stacy was always there helping me cope with my life issues and keeping me focused on my studies. When it came to my Junior year she stepped in and become nearly my best friend. She helped me find scholarships along with put together applications for college. That being said, she was there to watch me be accepted to Jacksonville University along with secretly nominating me for scholarships. Mrs. Stacy is a great woman and I feel this is the least I can do for all of her help and pure love for her job.

She was always there to comfort me and inspire me to keep striving for my dream. Even now as I am in college she goes out of her way to help me. This is the perfect opportunity for me to give thanks for all of her support and belief in my success! I honestly can say I couldn't of done it without her!

Sincerely,

Nino Garzone, Webster Thomas S Class of 2010