By Terra Avilla
This time of year brings sweet memories back to us all. The closing of the school year, and the warm breeze, telling us that summer is near. That energy is nowhere more apparent than on school grounds. And this year, that energy you can almost touch at Lassen High School as 2021 seniors prepare to graduate. Their fearless leader is this week’s topic, Lassen High School Guidance Counselor, Heather Eastwood.
Now my dear Heather has worked at the high school, alternating classes every year, for over ten years. Meaning one school year she will have freshman and juniors, and the next year, sophomores and seniors.
Once assigned to her caseload, students stay on their high school scholastic journey with Ms. Eastwood until they graduate.
Working at the high school for the past six years I can easily attest that the work Heather does far exceeds that of her job description. Not only does Ms. Eastwood help students develop the academic and social skills needed to succeed, personally and professionally, she also routinely assists students who come to school with a wide range of problems and challenges.
They may have learning disabilities, experience abuse or neglect, face some sort of addiction or other obstacle. Ms. Eastwood’s office becomes a safe space for them to navigate these trials. In a no judgement zone, I have seen Heather assist students.
Ms. Eastwood’s office is always filled with students (and staff) who congregate to simply tell her about their day, discuss their problems or share good news. Heather has a gregarious personality, and a one-of-a-kind wit, that I have always loved. No matter how cranky I am Heather can always make me laugh.
She is someone I look to everyday at the high school, and she somehow makes the day just a little bit brighter.
This year, Heather has gone above and beyond navigating the pandemic world with her senior class, ensuring that testing is completed, scholarship filled out and applications to their schools of choice are done.
Ask any of her graduating seniors (this year or in years past) and they will tell you the same thing. Ms. Eastwood left a lasting impression on them for years to come.
She perfectly balances out Mr. Freeman (the other counselor in the office) and the two of them make a super team. Over the past years I have really grown to love Heather and feel incredibly fortunate that our friendship transcended our employment.
Heather is someone who can always make me laugh, is an extremely loving mother, a dedicated friend, and caring daughter.
The thing about living in such a small community is that I continually feel blessed that I am around such high-caliber people.
Heather is one of my very best friends, and one of the reasons I love the place we live.
