Western Suffolk Counselors Association Recognizes Bernadette Walsh

The Western Suffolk Counselors Association recognized Bernadette Walsh with the 2026 Exemplary Practice Award for her “outstanding work” in revamping Huntington High School’s ELL Post-Secondary Planning Process.

“This well-deserved recognition highlights Bernadette’s dedication to ensuring that our multilingual learners receive meaningful, equitable, and comprehensive support as they navigate their post-secondary pathways,” said Dr. Ricky V. Papandrea, Jr., Huntington’s district director of school counseling and testing, K-12. “Her efforts have had a significant impact on our students and families, and we are proud to see her work acknowledged by our professional organization.”

Mrs. Walsh has demonstrated “exemplary leadership and innovation” through her work in developing and implementing Huntington High School’s ELL Post-Secondary Planning Process. Her practice reflects a highly student-centered approach that addresses the unique academic, social-emotional, linguistic, and college and career readiness needs of English Language Learners and multilingual students.

“Recognizing that many ELL students and families face barriers in navigating the post-secondary planning process, Mrs. Walsh developed a comprehensive support system focused on increasing access, awareness, and confidence in post-secondary planning opportunities,” Dr. Papandrea said. “A central component of this initiative has been her partnership with Suffolk County Community College to create intentional and meaningful exposure to higher education for Huntington High School’s multilingual learners.”

Through this collaboration, Mrs. Walsh coordinated a college field trip to the SCCC campus specifically designed to provide ELL students with firsthand exposure to the college environment, available academic programs, student support services, and post-secondary opportunities. For many students, this experience represented their first visit to a college campus and helped demystify the college-going process while fostering a greater sense of belonging and possibility.

In addition, Mrs. Walsh organized and facilitated four separate visits from SCCC representatives to Huntington High School throughout the school year. These sessions provided targeted guidance and support to multilingual learners on topics including college admissions, financial aid, academic pathways, English language support services, workforce development opportunities, and transitioning from high school to college. The repeated in-school visits allowed students to build familiarity and comfort with the college representatives while receiving consistent and individualized support in a setting that felt accessible and welcoming.

“Mrs. Walsh’s exemplary practice is innovative because it intentionally integrates culturally responsive counseling practices with structured post-secondary planning supports tailored specifically for ELL students,” Dr. Papandrea said. “She collaborates closely with families, counselors, ENL staff, administrators, and community partners to ensure students and parents are informed and empowered throughout the planning process. Her efforts have strengthened family engagement, increased student participation in post-secondary planning activities, and expanded awareness of attainable college and career opportunities for multilingual learners.”

A particularly noteworthy aspect of her work is her ability to build trust and meaningful relationships with students and families who may otherwise feel disconnected from the college and career planning process. Through her advocacy, persistence, and personalized approach, Mrs. Walsh has created a sustainable model of support that has positively impacted student confidence, engagement, and future planning.

“Her work is both adaptable and replicable for other schools seeking to strengthen equitable access to post-secondary planning for diverse student populations,” Dr. Papandrea said. “The systems and partnerships she has established can serve as a model for school counseling departments seeking to improve outcomes for ELL students through intentional outreach, community collaboration, and culturally responsive counseling practices.”

Mrs. Walsh began her career as a school counselor at Preston High School in the Bronx. She worked there for four years and although it was a terrific experience, the commute was rough. “Fortunately,  I was hired in 2006 at Huntington High School and the rest is history,” she said.

“Mrs. Walsh’s dedication, compassion, and commitment to student success embody the mission and values of the Western Suffolk Counselors Association,” Dr. Papandrea said. “Her work has had a meaningful impact on students, families, and the Huntington High School community, and she is highly deserving of recognition for this outstanding practice.”