Advocate of the Year

The following article was taken from the March 1999 issue (Volume 14, Number 4) of News and Views -- the newsletter of the SEMO School Counselor Association. The newsletter is edited by Ms. Gail Cox.

An advocate is a person who argues for, or favors publicly, a purpose or idea. Usually the advocates for counseling are found in our administrators. However, this time we are honoring a parent who exemplifies advocacy to the highest level. Mrs. Angie Stuever from Bernie has been chosen as the Southeast Missouri School Counselor Advocate of the Year.

Mrs. Stuever initiated the BRAVO program at the Bernie School system. BRAVO stands for Bernie's Requested Adult Volunteer Opportunities program. She launched the idea of a parent volunteer concept in 1989 and was the one and only participant the first year. Since then, there have been over 115 volunteers logging close to 12,000 hours of service to the school system. Training, record keeping, and scheduling for the program are supervised by Mrs. Stuever.

The counseling department oversees the planning of an Honors Banquet hosted by the Bernie Board of Education. Mrs. Stuever has been vital in planning, decorating, and managing the banquet. Her interest and enthusiasm promote the importance of academics to the students.

When the Bernie School District found out they were admitted into the A+ Program, Mrs. Stuever contacted the district coordinator to lend her assistance. She has helped with the installation and upgrading of computer programs in the school district. She spent numerous hours assisting with the programming and networking of classroom computers.

Mrs. Stuever helps the elementary counselor with preschool screening. She schedules all the appointments for this assessment program. She logged many hours of phone calls and personal visits to ensure a high percentage of participation.

Mrs. Stuever and her husband, Jim, have three children. Their family is active in church, community, and sports activities. Mrs. Stuever is a wonderful role model for all children and a true supporter of the educational system.