By Lauren Krogman and Turner Russell
At the end of the 2012-2013 school year, guidance counselor Heather McCue resigned from AHS. Her position at AHS was filled by Jennifer Thurston.
Thurston is originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and currently lives in West Des Moines. She attended Central College in Pella as well as a school in Florida. Thurston was recently a substance abuse counselor at a prison in Cedar Rapids. She received her master’s degree in school counseling because she wanted to be able to help kids before they develop serious problems or addictions.
Thurston wants our students at Atlantic High School to know that she is here not only for schedules, but to form relationships and help on a more personal level. In her spare time, she likes to run marathons. With one full, and four half marathons under her belt, she looks forward to running more in the future. “I think it’s a good metaphor for life,” she said. “One foot in front of the other.” She enjoys her job and is looking forward to the new school year.