In his 31st year of teaching and coaching, Brad Naughton is taking on a different approach to his final year at LFHS.

Naughton spends most of his days in the counseling office, where he is often helping students with schedule changes, college applications, and more. His inspiration to become a college counselor all started when he was teaching a psychology class in Peoria. Naughton helped one of his students earn a scholarship to Bradley University. This success story drove him back to graduate school, which ultimately led him to earn a degree to become a school counselor.

When he is out of the office, he is out on the field coaching the Girls’ Track Team.

“Coach Naughton is one of the most influential coaches I have had because he knows how to motivate and push me during hard workouts,” said senior track team member Amelia Pasquesi. “He always knows exactly what to say when I am struggling and I appreciate him for that.”

Although he is currently coaching track, in earlier parts of his career, he was involved with baseball and football which were two of his favorite sports growing up. With only 33 kids in his graduating class at Newman Central Catholic High School in Sterling, IL, being a part of a team was one of his favorite aspects of high school.

However, his high school experience is finally coming to an end this year. Now, he is trying to live every day to the fullest and not miss a single interaction with any of his students.

“I am making sure I try to slow down and have a little extra conversation with every kid before I leave,” said Naughton.

He also says he is going to look forward to each day of school. His favorite part of the year as a college counselor is May 1st, when all of the seniors wear their Decision Day shirts. He loves this day because he gets to see all the kids he has mentored since freshman year succeed in the next step of their lives.

Starting the school year, Naughton says he is not sad, but excited for “the endless possibilities” that his future holds for him. He already has a trip booked to Normandy, France at the end of the year and knows exactly where he wants to move.

“We are moving out of Illinois and into the south immediately,” said Naughton. “There will be no more snow in my life ever again.”

He has also already picked up new hobbies to suit his soon to be retired life-style.

“I am going to play pickleball all the time once I retire,” said Naughton. “Wherever we move, there needs to be pickleball nearby because I am full-fledged addicted.”

Although Naughton is looking forward to his next chapter, he is going to miss his students and co-workers immensely.

“Even though I am excited for whatever comes next, I will absolutely miss everybody because there has never been a single day when I have come to school and not had at least one good laugh.” Naughton said.

Counselor Maureen Lamick says she will miss his welcoming presence, along with the laughs he provides to his fellow counselors every day.

“Naughton seems excited to enjoy his retirement,” said Lamick. “But he will definitely miss working with his colleagues and students.”

Similarly, counselor Brittni Tengler shares that Naughton is extremely knowledgeable and brings his “wisdom and best self for students every day.”

Before he walks out of the school for the last time at the end of the year, his goal is to leave a legacy for all students.

The close-knit community within the school is one of the most important things to him as a Lake Bluff resident. He watched his kids grow up and graduate from LFHS, so he hopes that all of the current and future Scouts can learn to appreciate the time they have in high school.

“Maintain the balance of working hard and also enjoying your high school experience because the world does not ride on whether or not you get a B in your triple A class,” said Naughton, “And just remember: you’re only going to do this thing one time.”