When Mr. Brad Naughton began his career teaching at Notre Dame High School in Peoria, he was unaware that being a high school counselor was in the cards for him. He was always interested in the lives of his students, but his true passion for counseling became apparent when he helped guide a student toward a pivotal opportunity to attend college.

“This student I had was a great student, and I had asked her what she was going to do next year for school. She said her family didn’t have the money for her to go to school,” Naughton said.

 Naughton knew that his student wanted to study engineering, and nearby Bradley University in Peoria was an exceptional engineering school. Naughton, having played college baseball, knew the coach at Bradley. He called him, and the coach referred him to the admissions office. 

The family and Naughton went for a visit and toured the university. She applied after the deadline, and although it was late in the year, she was accepted and received a scholarship—this great student had a life-changing opportunity to attend college.

Following this sequence of events, Naughton decided that he could have a career in counseling. He found a passion for helping kids just like her, specifically helping kids find a school that is right for them. 

“I just felt like there was a need, and I could actually do this,” Naughton said. 

That summer, Naughton earned a master’s degree in educational psychology, which is necessary to become a counselor. He already had the required teaching credentials and following his first degree, he got a master’s degree in educational administration as well. 

Having been from Peoria, Naughton had no idea what Lake Forest was. In fact, he drove past LFHS thinking it was Lake Forest Academy and had to turn back around for the interview. Following that interview, he was given an offer, and has been here ever since. 

After a successful and vibrant 32 years of continuing to guide students and athletes in tremendous ways, Naughton is set to retire at the end of this school year.

“Brad is talented beyond belief in his role as a counselor. He is unbelievably organized, thoughtful, direct, funny, and knowledgeable in everything that he does,” Dean of Students Mrs. Clegg said.

Naughton has had the ability to remain approachable no matter the circumstances. He truly has done an incredible job guiding his students through a number of personal situations, course selections, and college decisions.

“Mr. Naughton has been such a guiding light for the past three years. He offers so much valuable advice that I’ve taken with me every step of the way through high school so far,” junior Camille Brincat said. 

Not only has Naughton guided his students, but he has also emerged as a mentor to his fellow counselors and colleagues.

“I’ve been here 10 years, and he was my mentor when I first started. He taught me everything about the role,” counselor Mr. Panfil said. “He is a phenomenal counselor with his students and all of us. He also checks in on all of the other counselors—we go to him for advice all the time.” 

As he began at LFHS, Naughton jumped in head first. He indulged himself not only as a counselor, but as a coach for a variety of sports. 

Having coached the football team for 15 years, baseball for over 20, and now most recently coaching for track and cross country, Naughton has formed strong relationships with a large number of students in and out of his office. His admirable coaching styles have not gone unnoticed.

“Naughton has been one of the most influential coaches I’ve ever had,” senior track and field runner McKenzy Hoopis said.“He knows how to balance pushing you to do your best and motivating you, while also having a good time. He’s a coach that you can come to with any kind of questions, and he makes you feel comfortable—he’s a person I just want to be around.” 

Coaching has ultimately allowed Naughton to get to know more kids in LFHS, but has also allowed him to connect with his own students on a deeper level. 

“I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to have him not only as my counselor, but also my coach,” senior Kayla Badger said.

Because high school counselors do not have classes or a strict schedule they follow, there is a lot of variance to Naughton’s job, and this aspect is what has kept him excited about coming in to work each day. 

“There are very few days that have been similar, and that’s the fun part of the job,” Naughton said. 

Whether it’s seminars with students, meetings with other counselors, course-selection weeks, or one-on-one meetings, Naughton has had his hands full—and that’s just how he likes it.

“I may physically be an old man, but I don’t feel that old! Every year my clientele are between the ages of 15 and 18, and it keeps me busy. They keep me feeling young and thinking young, even though I’m aging—which has been really fun,” Naughton said. 

Not only have his students kept him feeling young, but Naughton has had a special experience with LFHS, as his own children attended the high school during his career. 

“My own kids going to Lake Forest was definitely most memorable for me,” Naughton said. 

Naughton’s son graduated in 2018, and his daughter in 2022. This allowed them to get closer, in fun and challenging ways.

“It was really nice. Bringing them to school, taking them home, talking about their day, that sort of thing was awesome,” Naughton said. “There were also times I felt like we had too much information and were too close, but not in a bad way. They were blessed in that they truly had the best teachers, and I loved watching them navigate high school for themselves.”

As Naughton has watched many students learn and grow throughout their four years at LFHS, he has also watched as school has gotten more competitive and the workload has increased. He was able to observe this as his own kids went through the high school, and developed a deeper understanding for what his students are juggling.

“I don’t remember working as hard in high school as kids now do, and I have developed such a respect for that. However, I’ve also learned a lot of the pressure and stress that comes with it,” Naughton said.

As guidance counselors first register students as eighth graders, they are able to watch a student truly flourish and mature over their four years together. He watches as students learn to balance their workload with sports and extracurriculars and does his best to ensure his students enjoy their high school years. Because of this, May 1 is a day that not only seniors celebrate, but Naughton is sure to celebrate, too.

“The process of getting to May 1 can be pretty stressful for kids. I tell my kids that it will work out, but I’m not sure that they believe me when I tell them that,” Naughton said. “When the day does arrive, everybody seems to have found their fit, and it really is a celebration. You never see seniors unhappy on decision day.”

After retirement, Naughton is set on moving south immediately, traveling, and playing pickleball everyday. 

“We already have a trip planned to Normandy, France this fall. I was a history major and there is so much that I want to see, although I’m definitely going to miss the people here,” Naughton said.

As Naughton reflects on his career at LFHS, it has been the people that make the place. His students and colleagues have kept him coming back for 32 years, highlighting how happy this community has made him. 

“I don’t think there’s one day that I’ve come to school and not laughed. It’s just the kind of place where every day there’s been something to laugh about,” Naughton said.

Just as Naughton will miss the people, LFHS students and staff will miss Naughton and his wisdom.

“Mr. Naughton’s least favorite thing in life to be asked is ‘Are you sure?’ — he never says anything without being one hundred percent sure,” Clegg said.