Adam Oldham, a two-time alumnus of Shippensburg University, earned his Bachelor of Arts in 2010 and his Master of Education in School Counseling in 2013. In 2023, completed his Doctorate of Education at Immaculata University. Oldham serves as a school counselor at Big Spring High School, an adjunct professor in Ship’s counseling department, and as a licensed professional counselor. In recognition of his great work as a school counselor at Big Spring, he was recently named the 2024 Pennsylvania Counselor of the Year at the PA School Counselor Association  (PSCA) Annual Conference.

Oldham is dedicated to addressing the complex needs of high school students. “As a school counselor, I get to work right up close on the front lines, with students and all the things that they’re dealing with—good and the bad,” Oldham said. “Our role is really to help support healthy student development.”

One of the major aspects of Oldham’s work is ensuring that students have access to what he refers to as “primary care”. “A lot of the things I see kids for are not intense, crazy, mental health crises. Most of the time, students just need someone trusted to talk to, to navigate a particular moment or situation,” he explained.

At Big Spring, Oldham has implemented several initiatives aimed to enhance student engagement and access to counseling. One being is commitment to meeting with every student twice a year, once in the fall for a general check-in and again in the spring to review academics, career plans, general goals and to check in on the student’s well-being. “Fortunately, at Big Spring, our caseloads are fairly reasonable, so I meet with every kid in the fall and then again in the spring,” Oldham said. 

In order to meet the needs of students, Oldham introduced a digital appointment system using QR codes linked to an electronic scheduling tool. This allows students to conveniently book  a time to meet with a counselor.

One of Oldham’s most popular and creative initiatives is the Lego Lounge, a space inside Big Spring High School where students can connect and unwind. The lounge is filled with Legos for students to build with, most of the Legos being donated. Students love to freely build and create. They like to tell with their creations, and most importantly, they like to play together,” Oldham said. 

Beyond being a place to relax and be creative, the Lego Lounge also addresses social challenges, such as loneliness and disconnection. “Students are really struggling with ostracism,” Oldham noted. “I said, ‘I want to create a space where students can feel connected to the school and to each other.’” This initiative has also led to unique learning opportunities, such as physics experiments where students build Lego bats, cars and bridges for competitions.

Oldham’s passion for counseling extends well beyond Big Spring. Previously, during his work at East Pennsboro Area High School, he worked with alumnus Chuck Diller to create a scholarship program and career development initiatives. 

Dual enrollment and advanced placement programs are also a major focus for Oldham. “By really focusing on AP testing and dual enrollment opportunities, my kids have access to thousands of college credits over the years,” he said. Through his work, he has been able to help students get a jumpstart on their college education while also reducing financial burdens. 

Oldham believes that collaboration and strong communication go a long way. Collaboration is a school counselor superpower,” he said. “We get to sit at this nexus point with kids, with all these different stakeholders in their life. Every day, I’m talking with parents, teachers, and admissions offices or coordinating care with counseling agencies to make sure students are getting the maximum support.”

Oldham’s connection to Shippensburg University has been crucial to his success. “Shippensburg is the number one post-secondary destination for our kids at Big Spring,” he said, noting partnerships with the university’s counseling programs and the Growing Edges Clinic. 

Reflecting on his work, Oldham emphasized the importance of recognizing the success of students, especially those who may not typically receive praise. It’s so neat for kids that some of them are not kids that typically get recognition,” he said. “Knowing that their boat was the one that won the competition or that they’re making a positive impact is really rewarding.”

Oldham’s title as the 2024 Pennsylvania Counselor of the Year is one that is well-deserved. As he continues his work as a school counselor, he remains dedicated to providing students with the support they need. It’s been an absolute joy doing this work,” he said. “I look forward to continuing it and finding new ways to help all students succeed.”