Sooter

Meet our RootEd Counselor

Maries Co. R 2 was selected as one of the 150 districts in the state to add a dedicated college and career advisors in high schools to support students’ postsecondary pursuits by. This is our third year to be able to offer these services to our High School students. Whitney Sooter joined our staff in October filling this advisory role.

"I am thrilled to have been offered the Career and College Counselor for the seniors at Belle High School for the Maries County R-2 School District.

This dedicated college and career advisor is able to assist students in:

Developing and implementing individualized plans for postsecondary education and training;

Identifying opportunities to secure financial aid, including completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); Supporting students as they work to enroll in college, earn a workplace credential, and/or enlist in the armed services; and Coaching students through the transition from high school to lifelong success. The advisors receive ongoing training and operational support from Ozarks Technical Community College.

“It is estimated that 65 percent of Missouri’s jobs will require some level of training or education beyond high school by 2028—and only 47 percent of the state’s working age population currently has any postsecondary credential,” said rootEd Alliance President Noa Meyer. “The rootEd model is helping to narrow this gap by ensuring Missouri high school students—particularly those in rural communities who face unique barriers to postsecondary options—graduate on a path toward prosperity. We’re excited that more rural communities will benefit from the rootEd model.”

RootEd Alliance has worked in Missouri for three years, serving more than 2,200 students. In those high schools, postsecondary enrollment increased by up to 10 percent, even as enrollment fell across the state in response to the pandemic. Additionally, nearly 80 percent of students completed postsecondary applications and received at least one acceptance.

"My job is to talk to the seniors about their future. Whether they want to attend a university, a trade school, the military, or going straight into the workforce. I want to assist them in their journey after high school because I know it can be overwhelming trying to decide a career. Making them aware of the support and options they have as well as being there to listen to their passions and dreams and hoping to make them a reality," said Sooter.

For more information about the services that Ms. Sooter provides under our Counseling Program umbrella, you can reach out to her at wsooter@mariesr2.org for additional information.