Doug Grider, the guidance counselor at Southwestern High School (Pulaski County) was named the 2015 Outstanding High School Counselor by the Kentucky Counseling Association at its annual conference last month in Louisville.
Grider is in his 31st year in education and has worked as a guidance counselor since 2001. He began his counseling career at Somerset High School (Somerset Independent) in 2001, then came to Southwestern High in 2011. Prior to becoming a counselor, he spent 13 years as a business teacher at Pulaski County High School.
I am a parent of two southwestern students, Mr. Grider, is an amazing person! He always has time to ensure my children are on the right path… He always takes time to talk to me, my kids, and keep everyone on track. My son and daughter respect him so much! I as a parent, respect him, more than he knows! He is the type of leader our society needs. My son just signed as a division one athlete, he wanted this leader of youth to be involved with him signing to play football….. My son is not a valedictorian by any stretch of the imagination…. But, Mr. Grieder…treats him no differently!!!
My daughter gives him a hug each time she is near! Why?… Because he cares! And to me, that’s what matters! My children will succeed in life, because this man cares… Thank you Mr. Grieder!