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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. – A typical Wednesday for a High School counselor doesn’t involve flying in a U.S. Navy Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornet at over 630 miles per hour, but for Laura Marshall, May River High School Counselor, this was how she started the day at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, April 19, 2023.
Marshall was nominated and selected for a Key Influencer flight from the U.S. Navy flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels. Key Influencers are select individuals who shape the attitudes and opinions of youth in their communities. After being named High School Counselor of the Year for Beaufort County School District, Marshall’s impact on the young lives she helps shape is undeniable.
“I love being there for the students,” Marshall explained about her job. “Helping guide them and advising them on their next step in life, whether that be the military, college or another career path is a very rewarding job.”
Marshall began her career in education as a kindergarten special needs teacher. In 2013, she joined the Beaufort County Schools as a school counselor at Bluffton Early Education Center where she provided comprehensive counseling. In 2016, she began working at May River High School where she now works with over 1,600 students.
In addition to being a school counselor, she helps her students develop their leadership skills by serving as the liaison for the Clemson 4-H, Hilton Head-Bluffton Junior Leadership Class, Palmetto Boys State and the Palmetto Girls State.
Her passion for developing students and helping them discover their post-secondary options is reflected in her work to plan and organize a Military Career Fair, in which students could meet face-to-face with local recruiters and see what the military could offer them.
Her experience at MCAS Beaufort will help her bring back information to her students regarding the Marine Corps and the career opportunities available.
“Everyone here has been so helpful,” Marshall said about her experience with the Marines and personnel of MCAS Beaufort. “They have been able to answer all my questions and make it known that they are here to support. I am bringing back a wealth of knowledge to my students from this.”
Prior to the flight, Marshall learned about the capabilities of the F/A-18 Super Hornet and received training on how to help prevent black-out from experiencing gravitational force. She expressed her excitement not only for the flight, but to share her experience with her students.
“I can’t wait to tell them about this, especially to my seniors and juniors that are thinking about the military,” Marshall said. “Sharing this experience with them might inspire them.”
During the flight, Marshall experienced the force of gravity over seven times while experiencing different maneuvers the Blue Angels perform during air shows all around the U.S.
“The force on my body was very overwhelming and powerful,” she said once landing. “It’s just amazing being able to fly straight up. I never thought I would experience anything like that.”
She had a bird’s eye view of her school as she flew over May River High School at 2,000 feet. When she landed, back at MCAS Beaufort she was excited to share a new found perspective from her flight with her students.
“Fear can stop you from taking advantage of opportunities,” Marshall said. “I would hate for my students to miss out on anything, because they’re afraid of the outcome. Sometimes you just have to trust yourself and the people you surround yourself with.”
| Date Taken: | 04.19.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 04.22.2023 17:06 |
| Story ID: | 442987 |
| Location: | BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 111 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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