Roberts retires as district college/career advisor

Sheila Roberts is retiring as District College and Career Advisor for Madison City Schools. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – “I will forever be interested in Madison City Schools students.” Unlike most people, Sheila P. Roberts will stay connected after retiring as District College and Career Advisor.

Roberts accepted the district position after 12 years at Bob Jones High School. “Working with both high school college/career advisors gives one a more comprehensive perspective of Madison City Schools’ growth. The student body continues to expand; with expansion comes more challenges,” she said.

Roberts will miss Madison’s unique environment. “Perhaps partly because of local military influence, many students are well disciplined, well traveled and focused on their future. Opportunities offered to Madison students are limitless.”

As a result, students are well-rounded individuals with potential to excel at any college.

“I’ll also miss working with some of the best faculty and administrators in the state,” Roberts said. “Students receive not only great instruction but are blessed with models of integrity and good citizenship.”

During retirement, Roberts can reflect on her accomplishments. She wrote a proposal to use grant funds to start “Take Action Program” (TAP), targeting at-risk students who won’t graduate, experience transition issues or lack post-secondary plans.

TAP funds provided two contract advisors. Madison now ranks in the top one percent of Alabama’s FAFSA completers. “Karen Sargent and Susan Simon have been invaluable,” Roberts said.

Roberts witnessed three students selected as U.S. Presidential Scholars and a record number of National Merit Finalists. Bob Jones’ largest graduating class set a phenomenal scholarship total of $33 million. Roberts worked to add weight to honors and Advanced Placement courses, increasing scholarship access.

For new advisors, Roberts recommends remembering Madison’s high expectations. “Lana Meskunas at James Clemens and Kathryn Champion at Bob Jones are already proving very successful.”

Now, Roberts plans first to rest and then pursue volunteer work, possibly part-time college advising.

The Roberts have lived in Decatur for 36 years. Her husband John retired from Lufkin. Their son Dave of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. works for Ebsco. Their daughter Bara of Birmingham works for Grainger. Dave and Bara both have two children.

Roberts communicates with Bob Jones graduates on Facebook. “I truly enjoy hearing about their success and welcome all others to keep in touch. My personal email address is sheilapr@charter.net.”