I am honored to nominate Shuntrice Stapleton, M.S., Professional School Counselor, as a Hidden Hero. Ms. Stapleton consistently goes beyond her required duties to ensure students and families feel supported, valued, and seen.
Last school year, our school experienced the heartbreaking loss of a fourth-grade student. Ms. Stapleton immediately provided grief support for the student’s classmates and friends. She created a safe space for students to talk, cry, share memories, and process their emotions. She facilitated meaningful activities, including writing letters to their friend who passed away and a balloon activity honoring her memory.
What makes this especially remarkable is that Ms. Stapleton was grieving the loss of her own newborn grandson during this same time. Despite experiencing tremendous personal heartbreak, she continued coming to work and ensuring our students received the emotional support they needed. She was grieving herself, yet she still found the strength to help our children grieve.
Her dedication extends beyond counseling. Ms. Stapleton voluntarily leads an after-school dance team for girls and a Girls in Pearls mentoring group focused on confidence, leadership, self-esteem, and positive decision-making.
She also supports parents by connecting families experiencing hardships with community resources for utility bills, basic needs, and other assistance. Each year, she voluntarily coordinates Toys for Tots at our school, helping families obtain Christmas gifts for their children.
Ms. Stapleton does not serve others for recognition. Whether comforting a grieving child, mentoring young girls, supporting struggling families, or giving her time after school, she consistently shows up when others need her most.
Shuntrice Stapleton embodies what it means to be a Hidden Hero. Even while experiencing profound grief herself, she continued pouring compassion, strength, and love into our students, families, and school community.
