Hillsborough High Guidance Counselor Receives $10,000 'We Deliver' Award

Hillsborough High School guidance counselor Lynette Henry thought she was going to the media center at Just Elementary School Friday, May 25 to represent her assistant principal in an important district meeting.  

She was surprised to be greeted with Silly String, school district and Hillsborough Education Foundation officials, and cheering students who were there to surprise her with the news that she had won the Superintendent’s We Deliver award.        

Henry has worked for the district since 2006 as a college and career counselor, guidance counselor, ESE aide and substitute teacher. It was during her five years at Just Elementary School when Henry started Just Love, a partnership with Idlewild Baptist Church and the school working together to recruit volunteers to care for and provide support, friendship and mentoring to the students, teachers and families of Just.  

Because of Henry's efforts, the church has given more than 300 book bags filled with school supplies and provided gifts at Christmas for students.

This past October, Henry worked with the church to provide 400 Just Elementary families with a week’s supply of food and household supplies.        

After the initial surprise, Superintendent MaryEllen Elia read from some of the nomination quotes making the case for how Henry goes above and beyond to make miracles happen every day.  

Next, Hillsborough Education Foundation Chief Financial Officer Debra Friedberg presented Lynette with her prize – a $10,000 check to spend on anything she chooses.        

More than 280 nominations were submitted online between March and the end of April. This is the seventh year the superintendent and Hillsborough Education Foundation have presented the award.        

To read Lynette’s We Deliver award nominations, go to www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/wedeliver.