By Sara Gonzalez
Staff Writer
Ask anyone about Mr. Chris Beck and they’ll tell you that he’s one of the most relaxed teachers on campus.
Students who’ve had him say he’s inspirational and always knows what to say.
“He’s very funny and random and knows how to entertain the class,” senior Kim Basical said.
So it’s no surprise that students, especially athletes, said they think it’s a good thing Mr. Beck—one of two new members of the counseling department—has taken the new position of athletic-academic counselor at Bishop Amat.
The new position of athletic-academic counselor was proposed by Mr. Beck himself.
“I felt the need for a position like this to help athletes who may be struggling academically, so I convinced the administration and they approved,” Mr. Beck said.
According to the job description, “The primary focus of the athletic-academic advisor is to facilitate the academic success of each student athlete … Through this program we will help better position and prepare our student-athletes to move on and be successful at the collegiate level.”
And that’s what he’s been doing since August, when he started working in his little faculty house office located next to the Learning Resource Center.
Senior Olumba Ekpo wanted to talk to Mr. Beck about being eligible for college athletics.
“Mr. Beck helped me by telling me what I need to do to be included for college basketball,” Ekpo said. “He was extremely helpful.”
Another senior Iliana Ibrahim is trying to make sure she’s eligible for college volleyball.
“He called me in and had my transcripts printed out and explained what I needed for colleges and how to apply,” Ibrahim said.
But Mr. Beck isn’t the only new counselor helping students meet all of their credit requirements.
Long-time English teacher and yearbook adviser Mr. Gabriel Escovar took over for Mr. Tim Murphy as one of the academic counselors.
“It’s been both fun and challenging so far but I’ve learned a lot. I like it,” Mr. Escovar said.
Mr. Escovar got a rude awakening to the demands of a high school counselor a week before school started when hundreds of students lined up to change their schedules.
Although his daily schedule isn’t as hectic as that day, it hasn’t let up much.
“It’s been busy because it’s the beginning of the school year and students are trying to figure out their schedules,” he said.
Mr. Escovar has already helped some students.
“Since it’s the beginning of the year, things are pretty hectic with changing schedules, applying for colleges—things like that,” senior Katrina Gonzalez said. “Mr. Escovar has been a big help so far.”
Mrs. Carol Moak, Bishop Amat’s head counselor, said when interviewing for the new positions, she looked for teachers who had an “interest in student success.”
“Mr. Beck and Mr. Escovar both have the qualities we were looking for in the counseling department,” she said.
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