Mequon-Thiensville School District

News Detail

Homestead High School Counselor Kris Besler Recognized as High School Counseling Professional of the Year by WACAC

The Mequon-Thiensville School District is proud to announce that Homestead High School counselor and Director of Counseling, Kris Besler, has been named the High School Counseling Professional of the Year by the Wisconsin Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC). WACAC is the state-level affiliate group of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).  Its main objective is to support high school, community college, and technical college students in Wisconsin to prepare for and assist with their chosen post-secondary school journey.

Besler was recognized by the organization during the Midwest ACAC Conference in Dubuque, Iowa on Monday, May 20 for her excellence and dedication to serving the needs of students in the transition from high school to college. She has served Homestead High School for the past 18 years, helping hundreds of students navigate high school and plan for their post-secondary journeys. 

The Mequon-Thiensville School District is proud to announce that Homestead High School counselor and Director of Counseling, Kris Besler, has been named the High School Counseling Professional of the Year by the Wisconsin Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC). WACAC is the state-level affiliate group of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).  Its main objective is to support high school, community college, and technical college students in Wisconsin to prepare for and assist with their chosen post-secondary school journey.

Besler was recognized by the organization during the Midwest ACAC Conference in Dubuque, Iowa on Monday, May 20 for her excellence and dedication to serving the needs of students in the transition from high school to college. She has served Homestead High School for the past 18 years, helping hundreds of students navigate high school and plan for their post-secondary journeys. 

"It is a pleasure to honor the unparalleled dedication and excellence of our high school counselor, Kris Besler, who has tirelessly guided our students through the pivotal transition from high school to college,” said Eric Ebert, Homestead High School Principal, “Her unwavering commitment and heartfelt support have empowered countless young minds to achieve their academic dreams and embark on promising futures."

Besler was nominated for this recognition by fellow Homestead High School counselor, Sarah Robinson, who spoke highly of Besler’s ability to collaborate effectively with her team and meet the unique needs of all Homestead students.

“Kris Besler is a leader in the school counseling profession. Her knowledge, experience, passion, relational capacity, and student-focused approach to supporting students is exceptional. Kris leads with professionalism, experience, grace, and wisdom. Kris ensures that we are meeting the needs of ALL students,” said Robinson. “Kris uses her strengths and skills to support students with academic improvement, career exploration, college planning, and personal wellness. Kris calmly and creatively problem-solves, manages a busy schedule meeting with students and parents, and dives into research and college trends to maintain a pulse on college admission practices to best support our students. Kris Besler is deserving of this award because of her work ethic, commitment to supporting students, professionalism, leadership in the counseling profession, and resiliency in her career. She is an inspiration and a role model in the school counseling profession.”