Meeting students ‘where they are’

Seneca High School guidance counselor and coach Christopher Watson is a nominee for Educational Services Professional of the Year in the 2024-’25 school year.

Faculty and staff describe Watson as the cornerstone of the school, with “a warm and compassionate spirit.”

As a former student, Watson felt compelled to give back to the generous Seneca community that influenced him as a teenager. Before becoming an educator, he spent four years in supply chain management, a job he called unfulfilling.

Since returning to his alma mater, Watson seems to have found what he was looking for.

“… I was looking for a profession that was rewarding and I could give back,” he said.

He found that as Seneca High’s guidance counselor, and this year, he became head coach of the girls’ soccer and spring track teams. As a former college athlete, Watson partially credits that experience with helping him guide the young competitors.

“Obviously for sports, you have to be physically fit and aware,” he explained, “but there’s such a big mental aspect to the game that I think people lose sight of. It kind of goes back to meeting people where they are. By establishing a good enough relationship, you can figure out what their long-term and short-term goals are.

“If they know that you’re there to support them mentally and you actively check in, that’s everything, and they thrive in that environment.”

Principal Brad Bauer reflected on Watson’s integral role in fostering Seneca’s unique culture.

“Being part of the Seneca Family means showing compassion, building connections and lifting each other, and Chris Watson embodies all of these values,” Bauer noted. “Chris’ ability to make students and colleagues feel truly seen and supported strengthens the bonds that make our school such a special place.

“He helps create a culture where everyone feels they belong, and that is a gift we are all grateful for.”

Watson is taking his Educational Services Professional of the Year nomination in stride; he credits his co-workers with being equally deserving. He described the moment he learned of the nomination.

“Honestly, pretty surprised,” he acknowledged. “This is only my fourth year here, and there are a lot of people here who are phenomenal individuals, so it was a surprise to be honored. But I feel really good.”

Watson prides his “approachability” and being able to meet students “where they are.”

“I think the counseling position can be intimidating for kids having to spill your guts or share things that they may not feel comfortable sharing with teachers or others at home,” he said.

Being a coach and guidance counselor, he added, “you get more exposure to different students and different elements of those students.”