Sherry Lee Retires after 30 Years of Playing Vital Role as School Counselor

Dr. Sherry Lee was seeking a position close to her roots in Hampton Roads after graduating from college. One interview at an elementary school set her on a path to counseling thousands of students in Norfolk Public Schools. From stepping into the role of advocacy to have daily interactions with young students seeking help, Lee has helped encourage and uplift countless students through a plethora of challenges. 

Question: How did you end up working in education and specifically, Norfolk Public Schools?
Lee: While attending VCU, I began considering a move back to the Hampton Roads area to be closer to my parents. With that goal in mind, I requested to complete my internship locally. I was fortunate to intern at Lafayette-Winona Middle School (now the Academy for Discovery at Lakewood) under the guidance of Lynn Hollandsworth and Judy Gutterman.

During my internship, Dr. Pamela Kloeppel, a former Director of School Counseling, visited to observe my work. Following her observation, she invited me to interview with Lillian Brinkley, one of the most outstanding principals that I ever worked with at Willard Model Elementary.  At the conclusion of the interview, Mrs. Brinkley smiled and said, “Let’s go see your new office.” From that moment on, the rest was history.

Question: Tell me about what you did in your role(s) and why you stayed at NPS for so long?
Lee: I served as a school counselor at Willard Model Elementary School for 30 years, and I loved every minute of it. The students, staff, and overall school community made it a truly rewarding place to work.

Question: Why do you think your role/department is critical to NPS?
Lee: Today’s students face many challenges and stressors that can affect their ability to learn and succeed. They need effective coping skills to navigate these pressures and reach their full potential as productive citizens. School counselors play a vital role in helping students develop those skills and providing the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Question: What will you miss the most in your role?
Lee: The students were always the best part of my job. I especially enjoyed watching their growth and development from Pre-K through fifth grade. One of the highlights of my career has been seeing former students return as parents and witnessing the positive impact our school had on their lives.

Question: What will you miss the most in your role?
Lee: I will miss seeing the students every day and having the opportunity to watch them learn, grow, and achieve their goals. 

Question: What advice would you give to someone in your role and in general at NPS?
Lee: Our students need advocates, people who will treat them with the same care, respect, and compassion they would want for their own children. Set high expectations, meet students where they are, and be their biggest cheerleaders. Sometimes, a few words of encouragement can make all the difference in a child’s life.

Students in Norfolk Public Schools will miss Dr. Sherry Lee. Thank you for being an advocate and compassionate counselor for more than three decades. She has seen firsthand out intentional commitment to students can change their lives for the better. She has had the privilege to support students in unimaginable ways over the years.

Norfolk Public Schools is grateful to Dr. Sherry Lee for all she has done in the division and wish her an amazing retirement.