“Conscientious, life long learner, and a proud father” is how our new high school counselor Mr. Penge described himself. After serving at BOCES, Proctor, and Rome CSD, he is ready to tackle a new challenge here at New Hartford High School.
Being an alumnus, Mr. Penge was joyous to return to the high school, only in a completely different position.
“It’s nice to be able to give back to the community where I grew up,” said Mr. Penge.
Interestingly enough, he wasn’t always a high school counselor. After college he lived in Fort Lauderdale where he served in the Accounting and HR department for a fast growing computer software company.
“I’ve always wanted to go into a career field that helps people,” stated Mr. Penge.
Outside of work he enjoys bike-riding, going to Delta Lake, and bowling with his family. He also loves hockey and is a die-hard Rangers fan.
Mr. Penge had considerable praise for New Hartford students stating, “New Hartford students are very engaging, and focused on their studies.”
When I asked him what his favorite part of school counseling was, Mr. Penge replied, “Being able to exceed the expectations of both students and parents.”
It sounds like he is living up to his own expectations.
“Mr. Penge is always quick to reply whenever I shoot him an email,” Anthony McRill, a senior here at New Hartford, said.
According to sophomore Adam Mehmedovic; “He (Mr. Penge) is always very accommodating.”
Other counselors also have praise for Mr. Penge.
“He (Mr. Penge) is very personal, eager to jump in, we are very excited to get not only another excellent counselor here but also a New Hartford grad in the office,” Mr. Lutz said. “He is also very thorough, competent and serious.”
Mr. Lutz would also give some advice for our new counselor: “Don’t expect perfection, everything is a process.”
Before my interview with Mr. Penge was completed, I asked him if he had a quote that resonated with him to share with our readers. He thought for a moment and then chose these words from Picasso: “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”
Welcome to New Hartford, Mr. Penge!
