Counseling

Dear St. Thomas Aquinas Community,

Seventeen years ago, I accepted my first full-time position as a school counselor. At the time, I never imagined that the decision would lead me to a career and a community that would become such an important part of my life.

I attended public schools throughout my education, and my internship and teaching experience were also in a public high school. When I began my career, my plan was simply to get my foot in the door, gain experience, and eventually return to public education. As it turns out, my plans changed very quickly. I fell in love with Catholic education and, more importantly, with the community here at St. Thomas Aquinas.

Over the past 17 years, one of the greatest joys of my work has been getting to know our students. I have had the privilege of watching them grow, helping them navigate challenges, celebrating their accomplishments, and welcoming new students and families into our Aquinas community. There is something very special about being part of a school where students are known not just for their grades, but for who they are as individuals.

I am also incredibly proud of the progress and changes we have made over the past 17 years. Education is constantly changing, and our responsibility is to make sure that we continue to prepare our students for the world they will enter after graduation. Having worked in college counseling for nearly two decades, I have seen firsthand how postsecondary education and career opportunities have evolved. I believe strongly that the changes we are making now are the right next step for our students.

I am especially excited about what we have planned for this upcoming school year.

Through partnerships with several colleges and universities, our students will have opportunities to earn college credits while still in high school. This can give students a head start on their college education while potentially saving their families both time and money.

Our new schedule also provides students with greater opportunities to explore. By allowing students to take additional courses and experience different areas of study, we are giving them the chance to discover interests and potential career paths before they have to make decisions about college. My hope is that when students begin applying to colleges, they will have a much clearer understanding of who they are, what they enjoy, and what they may want to pursue.

The block schedule is another important step forward. In addition to creating more opportunities within our school day, it gives students experience with a class structure that more closely resembles what they will encounter in college. I believe this will help our students become more independent, organized, and prepared for the transition to postsecondary education.

At the same time, we recognize that college is not the right or immediate path for every student. Our goal is not to put every student on the same path, but to help each student find the path that is right for them. That is why we are expanding opportunities such as welding, engineering, and other career-focused programs. These experiences allow students to explore careers, develop practical skills, and discover possibilities they may not have previously considered.

As Director of Student Services, my goal is simple: to help every student discover their strengths, explore their possibilities, and leave St. Thomas Aquinas prepared for what comes next.

After 17 years, I am just as excited about the future as I was when I first walked through the doors. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our students and families, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish together.

Welcome to Student Services, and welcome to another exciting year at St. Thomas Aquinas.

Warmly,

Laura Veni
Director of Student Services
St. Thomas Aquinas High School