Congratulations to Mrs. Victoria De Santis on being named Educational Service Professional of the Year!
With 22 years of dedicated service to the Becton community, Mrs. De Santis has made a lasting impact not only as a guidance counselor but also as a former teacher of Journalism, English 11, and English 11 Honors. She was a longtime advisor of Cat’s Eye View and also served as an assistant coach for the track team. Her commitment to students was first recognized in 2018-’19 when she was named Teacher of the Year, and her tireless efforts continue to make a significant difference.
Mrs. De Santis’ journey took a pivotal and meaningful turn after 18 years of teaching when she decided to pursue school counseling. Anticipating the possibility of a career change, she returned to school for her Master’s degree in School Counseling shortly after securing her first teaching position in 2002. “The time to switch careers felt right,” she shared, reflecting her dedication to growth and commitment to supporting students.
Now serving as a guidance counselor for students in grades 10-12 with last names A-F, her days are anything but predictable. “It can change by the minute,” she explained. Her responsibilities as a guidance counselor include checking on students‘ attendance and academics, addressing concerns of parents, and making sure her students are where they need to be and taking the right courses.
Mrs. De Santis also works closely with seniors, helping them navigate the college application process. She dedicates time to attending college informational meetings, ensuring she has the most up-to-date knowledge to best assist her students. Senior Julia Bubendorf has started the college process and believes that Mrs. De Santis has been a sufficient source with all of her concerns. “She has been very attentive to each question that I have and has helped me immensely, especially with my college applications,” Bubendorf commented.
Most noteworthy, Becton Supervisor of School Counseling Services College Relations/Testing, Mr. Marc Caprio, commends Mrs. De Santis for “keeping the guidance department in the 21st century.” From posting scholarships, college visits and google forms, Mrs. De Santis has been known as the “tech wizard”– truly an irreplaceable member.
Reflecting on fond memories with Mrs. De Santis, Mrs. Scalera recalls the time she hid in the Wildcat costume and scared Mrs. Trause, leaving a great laugh and memory for the staff. Fellow guidance counselor, Mrs. Cozza, adds to the laughter by highlighting Mrs. DeSantis’s famous “Vicki-isms,” her signature phrases that never fail to keep her colleagues entertained throughout the day.
When asked to describe Mrs. De Santis in three words, her close colleague, Mrs. Cozza, shares, “Three words aren’t enough to describe Mrs. De Santis’ positive attributes. She is generous in every sense of the word, compassionately kind, and a conscientious worker.” Becton’s Media Specialist and a dear friend of Mrs. De Santis, Mrs. Vaccaro, warmly adds, “Mrs. De Santis is a class act. She is diligent, easy to connect with, and detail-oriented.”
As Mrs. Scalera confidently shares, “There’s nothing Mrs. De Santis can’t do!” Her exceptional work as an educator and guidance counselor makes her the perfect recipient of the Educational Service Professional of the Year award.