Annually, close to two hundred colleges visit LFHS. Working behind the scenes to make it all come together, Administrative Assistant-Student Services, Ms. Jennifer Gleason attends every single meeting.
Originally, from a background of real estate, Ms. Gleason wanted a change. Preferably, a career where she could collaborate alongside students. Fast forward, Ms. Gleason is an expert in the college arena.
“I have worked with Ms. Gleason for nineteen years now. She is always my ‘go to’ person when I need assistance with anything, and she is also a very great friend,” Registrar Tiffany Smith said.
Ms. Gleason’s fall remains preoccupied, as she is often communicating with counselors and students arising deadlines and college visits.
“This year, I’ve noticed a trend in students that originally wanted a Big10 school are seeking a warmer climate. Hence, there is an increase in the number of students applying to SEC Conference schools like Georgia, Auburn, Mississippi, Clemson, and Tennessee,” said Gleason.
On top of coordinating college visits with representatives, she assists the head of the department that oversees students with 504 plans. Gleason works with various people in the community to offer a local scholarship primarily for LFHS seniors via email and schoology, where students can look out for the monthly Scholarship Scoop newsletter.
“Being new to District 115, I appreciate the amazing mentor Mrs. Gleason has been to me. She wears many hats here at LFHS, and is amazing at what she does,” Counseling Department Assistant Brooke Ehlert said. “We are so lucky to have her! She brings so much passion and experience to her role.”
Ms. Gleason finds her job is most “rewarding” when students are excited with where they are attending college. She especially enjoys the Scholarship & Awards Night because it acknowledges students that have diligently worked in and out of school to receive those accolades.
“One particular transfer student needed a lot of support. She consistently came into the college resource center during lunch, and through our conversations it was clear that she needed extra assistance,” Gleason said. “Her counselor and I were able to get some things in place to assist which ultimately achieved her goal of going to college.”
For Gleason, the college admissions process was drastically different during her high school years. Colleges were researched on guidebooks, applications completed on paper, and then submitted via mail.
“The whole process was much more tedious which is why it was unusual to apply to as many schools as students do today,” Gleason said. “We are very fortunate to have so many college reps who want to visit LFHS, and connect with our students.”
Ms. Gleason encourages upcoming seniors to make it easy on themselves the summer before, and, as always, her door is open to all.
“Jenn is incredibly detail oriented, which makes our jobs so much easier! She is a wonderful asset to our department and to LFHS as a whole,” said Counselor Elizabeth Hannon.
