Counselor Robert Quinn

Robert Quinn, a school counselor at Goshen Intermediate School, was awarded the Asset Builder/Outstanding School Based Professional Award from the Orange County Youth Bureau.

Quinn, who is in his 16th year as a school counselor at the Goshen Intermediate School, was nominated for the award by Mary Ann Knight, principal of the Goshen Intermediate School. Jack Calzaretta, a fifth grade student, served as student nominator.

“I feel humbled,” said Quinn. “I have wonderful working relationships with my colleagues and my students and am honored that they feel I am worthy to receive such an award.”

As a school counselor, Quinn supports students, parents and staff by serving as a resource for conflicts and behavioral issues. Quinn counsels students in order to suppress bullying, personality conflicts between students and behavioral problems in the classroom.

Quinn is the leader of the Instructional Support Team, where he works with teachers to explore different avenues for students so that they progress and learn appropriate behaviors. He also runs the Banana Splits program for students whose parents are separated or divorced.

“Banana Splits is an informal peer support program that allows children to know that they’re not alone in their situation,” explained Quinn. “It’s important for them to see that they can be successful in school and in life.”

Quinn is also a member of the Orange County Crisis Response Team, where he and other school counselors from across the county help deal with crises in other schools, such as student deaths or other critical incidents.

Quinn recently held the Intermediate School’s annual Career Day, where students were able to visit with a number of professionals, such as police officers, social workers and lab technicians.

“It was very well-received,” he said. “Career Day gives our students an opportunity to see what’s out there career-wise.”

Quinn will be honored at an awards luncheon and presentation on Friday, June 6 at the Brookside Manor in Middletown. He will be accompanied by his wife, Hildegarde, and his daughter and son-in-law. Mary Ann Knight and Jack Calzaretta will also attend.