Rhonda Hocutt has served in a critical behind-the-scenes role as the Tyrone Student Assistance Program (SAP) Coordinator, helping thousands of Tyrone students in need.
While her face is not as recognizable to students as many of their teachers, Hocutt has been the important link between students in need and support services from the school and outside agencies.
After 22 years of serving the TASD community, Hocutt will retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
The Student Assistance Program is a voluntary intervention program that helps students and families in need. The program provides access to professional counselors and support for any student in the Tyrone Area School District.
“Working in SAP is a real eye-opener,” said Hocutt, “There are so many kids with so many needs. The fact that I may have had an impact on the lives of some of these kids is humbling.”
Hocutt said that when she first took the job, she had a young child at home and was looking for a part-time job.
“Before I came to Tyrone, I taught post-secondary education at the GACTC and liked being in the schools. The SAP Coordinator position met both those needs for me.”
So much so that she has stayed in the position for 22 years, long after her children were grown.
Students can be referred to the SAP by anyone in the school community – teachers, staff, parents, or peers.
When a concern for a student is brought to her attention, Hocutt works collaboratively with the SAP team at all three Tyrone schools to match the student and/or family to the services they need.
“Ms. Hocutt has made my job easier by adding counselors to support students in their struggles,” said TAHS Guidance Counselor Nicole Taneyhill.
Taneyhill said that the guidance counselors are responsible for approximately 300 students each, so when a student is processing grief or loss, or is experiencing a significant family issue, it may be beneficial for that student to have a counselor to meet with on a regularly scheduled basis.
Hocutt’s job is to make arrangements for students to meet with a therapist on a longer-term basis.
She is especially good at matching students with the right people and doing everything she can to reduce the red tape of bureaucracy when dealing with private and public agencies.
Middle School Counselor Matt Kimberlin had nothing but praise for Hocutt’s work and dedication.
“Mrs. Hocutt has taken on a large responsibility that takes the weight off so many staff members,” Kimberlin said. “Truly, we are scrambling, knowing her time with us is limited and worried that we won’t be able to replace her and the quality job she has done for so many years.”
Hocutt said she already has plans for what she will do after she retires.
“I plan to spend more time with my son, daughter-in-law, and two grandkids who live in New Hampshire,” Hocutt said.
She also said that she and her husband will travel. They have already scheduled a Viking River Cruise on the Danube River starting in Budapest, Hungary, and ending in Passau, Germany.
Thank you, Mrs. Hocutt, for all that you have done to help the students of Tyrone. Enjoy your retirement!
