GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) — Alyssa Bunton, head counselor at Southwest Middle High School - Academia Bilingüe, is being recognized as a GRPS Champion for her dedication to supporting scholars as they develop confidence in themselves and their futures.
“What I enjoy most about my role is the ability I have to grow with the scholars in my profession and myself,” Bunton said. “Working at Southwest has opened my eyes to many of the hardships that our scholars face and their determination to reach their goals is admirable. Working closely with them to identify goals for post-graduation and watching them achieve those goals is indescribable.”
She started her career at Union High School before transitioning to Southwest Middle High.
“I could not imagine myself working anywhere else,” she said. “Southwest has shaped me into the professional that I am and experiences that I will take with me forever. Without Mr. Julian Ramirez and my fellow coworkers, I would not be the counselor that I am today, and I am grateful for that always.”
In her role as head counselor, Bunton focuses on helping scholars build self-advocacy skills and confidence that will carry them into what’s next.
“The impact that I hope to make on my scholars is to advocate for themselves in every capacity,” she explained. “I want them to feel confident in themselves and their work so when they move onto their future, whether that is college, work, trades, whatever it may be, they will not only be successful but confident in the work they are doing.”
Through her advocacy and commitment to scholar success, Bunton continues to make a lasting impact at Southwest Middle High and across the GRPS community.
