SANDPOINT — Each year, representatives from the Idaho Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers recognize outstanding champions of higher education among the different regions of the state.

During IACRAO’s annual Counselor Days event on Sept. 20 at North Idaho College, Sandpoint High School’s college and career mentor Kendall Lang was awarded the honor of Counselor of the Year for the northern region.

“Kendall is the superstar all young adults would be lucky to have,” said IACRAO president Teresa Borrenpohl. “She is a fierce advocate for student needs, an innovative guide from high school to beyond, and a direct communicator. Kendall helps students to be prepared to achieve their college and career goals. IACRAO is proud to recognize Kendall’s exemplary service to Sandpoint’s students.”

As Lang recently began her third year in the position at SHS, she said it is an honor to be recognized as it has been “really rewarding” to work with the students and staff at SHS, including postsecondary counselor Jeralyn Mire.

“It is not just an individual thing, it’s a reflection of how Sandpoint is — it’s a group and team effort,” Lang said. “I couldn’t have done anything without Jeralyn, because she is the greatest mentor ever.”

Mire said the one thing that really stands out about Lang is her ability to take existing programs at SHS and “really grow and blossom” them.

“We have always done a lot for scholarships, but now she has added the dimension of Scholarship Club,” Mire said, using the club Lang started two years ago as an example. “We have a strong foundation, but she has really been able to jump in and expand and go deeper.”

Another example, Mire said, is some of the field trips Lang has arranged over the past couple of years to help students explore different options and opportunities. And it is not just options regarding traditional four-year universities, Lang and Mire aim to give students choices for whatever their next steps might be after high school, whether they decide to go to a trade school, military, or straight into the workforce.

Lang was also instrumental in bringing NIC Connect to SHS. Last year, NIC representatives were onsite at the high school campus four different times, helping students with scholarships, FAFSA, registering for classes and even doing placement tests, Mire said.

Another recent example of Lang’s drive to expand existing programs was the school’s annual All Things Senior event, where a record 314 people signed in — there were likely some who didn’t sign in as well — to gather information on college, military and careers, and attend different breakout sessions on topics such as scholarships.

SHS principal David Miles II said it was “awesome” to see the community turnout at the event. When he first walked through the door that evening, he said, he was approached by a parent and student who told them how relieved they were to get the information and help they needed through the All Things Senior event.

“It is great to see how much we are doing for the community and the kids,” Miles said.

Finally, Mire said, Lang has also developed personal relationships and has a unique ability to get to the bottom of any problem a student might have.

“Kendall is just great at helping students, seeing where there is a need and following through,” Mire said.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.