The purpose of the FCHS guidance staff may seem self-explanatory– after all,with “guidance” in their title, it may seem obvious that their job is to guide students. But the questions remain “How?” and “Guide them in what?”

One way to think of guidance staff is that they are dedicated to helping students overcome personal obstacles, and one guidance counselor who exemplifies that is the February Staff Member of the Month, Samantha Lewis. One of FCHS’ four guidance counselors, Lewis is an example of a staff member who is truly dedicated to helping Flucos get through and beyond high school.

“There’s never a dull moment. There is no ‘average day’ for me because you never know what’s going to walk through the door,” said Lewis about her job. Not only does her job entail working with students to help them to organize their schedules and select classes that will help them meet their goals, it also means being a listening ear for students dealine with personal conflicts, friend, and family situations.

Lewis went to Virginia State University for her undergraduate years where she focused on Information Systems and Decision Sciences, then later went to Longwood University where she majored in her long-time passion, school counseling. Being a “Fluco, born and raised,” she came to work at FCHS and was a Math Lab Administrator for seven years. After that, she got her counseling job which she has had for 10 of her 17 years of working at FCHS.

“She’s outstanding,” said history teacher Luke Divine. “She’s like the glue that hold guidance together,” he added. Science teacher Feda Morton said Lewis’s award is “Very well deserved.”

Outside of her job, Lewis likes to bake and exercise. “I was a Zumba instructor for two years, which is interesting, because I have very little rhythm and coordination,” said Lewis. Her passions outside of school also include being a member of the Fluvanna Education Foundation, and singing as a “back-row” singer in her church’s choir.

Lewis said she loves her job. It has enough tasks to keep her on her toes, and she says the most valued reward she takes away from her job is “knowing that I’ve helped the kids.”