Bay District Schools is proud to celebrate two exceptional educators who are among the first graduates of the district’s School-Based Mental Health Grant program, earning their master’s degrees in school counseling in December. Funded through the Bay District Schools School-Based Mental Health Grant, the program was designed to fully cover educational expenses while intentionally “growing our own” certified professional school counselors to address the district’s ongoing shortage in this critical role. The first memorandums of understanding (MOUs) for the grant were approved in July 2023, marking the beginning of a long-term investment in student mental health and staff development.
Rebecca “Becca” Laster, currently serving as a school counselor interventionist at Merritt Brown Middle School, began her career in education as a substitute teacher before advancing to roles as a paraprofessional and parent liaison. Her passion for school counseling stems from a deep commitment to supporting students holistically—academically, socially, and emotionally. Becca recently earned her master’s degree in school counseling from Troy University and looks forward to continuing her work advocating for students and helping them thrive in every area of their lives.
Also recognized is Jaquelyn “Jackie” Talano of Patronis Elementary School, who joined Bay District Schools in 2013 as an associate teacher in a third-grade inclusion classroom. She later became a classroom teacher, a role she held for 10 years, before pursuing her longtime goal of becoming a school counselor. Jackie earned her master’s degree in school counseling from Florida State University and is the first person in her family to attend and graduate from college. She is passionate about connecting with students, families, and staff to help students discover their unique strengths and achieve both personal and academic success.
Bay District Schools extends heartfelt congratulations to Becca and Jackie for their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to serving students. Their accomplishments reflect the purpose and promise of the School-Based Mental Health Grant, and the district looks forward to celebrating additional graduates as they continue to earn their degrees and strengthen student support services across Bay County.