Kristy Roche
Position: School Counselor
School: South Allegheny Middle School
School District: South Allegheny School District
City, State: McKeesport, PA
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Music that Describes Kristy
Kristy Roche was nominated by her colleague, Jenna Whitney.
"When I think of the heart and soul of our middle school, the same person always has and always will come to mind. That person is Kristy Roche," said Whitney. "Kristy is the middle school guidance counselor by title, but she is so much more to our students, staff, and community. She is known for her open door policy, kind heart, genuine, caring nature, listening ear, and ability to find an appropriate 80's song, spectacular dance, or meaningful quote for every situation. She literally carries glitter around with her in her pockets just in case a celebration is in order."
Ms. Roche can be found slipping notes or small gifts in staff mailboxes or student lockers because she knows when it is needed. Her office is a safe place where adults and students flock to celebrate their greatest victories or cry about their toughest defeats. There is no judgement in her office, just a friendly face and a listening ear. You always walk away from time spent with her feeling better!
Ms. Roche gives it her all, day in and day out. She worries about her students, keeps their best interest in mind, and looks for ways to improve their lives. She looks for outside resources for students and their families. Ms. Roche spends a good portion of her day not only working out schedules and meeting with students and staff, but finding little ways to make students feel special. She coordinates the yearly holiday gift collection and distribution to families who will otherwise go without. She knows students so well that she always includes something special for each child. Ms. Roche does all of this while managing the holidays for her own four children at home. Her heart is always in the right place, and she is never looking for recognition or accolades, but she is so deserving of both.
Ms. Roche has been a dedicated employee at her school for almost 20 years. She has made her school a warm, inviting place to everyone who crosses the threshold. She greets you with a smile and is always ready to help, even when she is having a tough day. Ms. Roche has made safe areas for students and has placed inspirational quotes, sticky notes, and trinkets throughout the hallways. She often becomes a confidant and/or a sympathetic ear for parents in her district, as well. Her value to the entire South Allegheny community is immeasurable.
"Kristy is a trusted employee of the district, as she often is responsible for handling time-sensitive, confidential information about our students," said Whitney. "Her professionalism is outstanding, and she is well-respected among her colleagues. She is always looking for ways to improve our school, and she always finds a way to do just that for us. The South Allegheny staff, students, and community are so blessed to have her as a part of our family!"
Mrs Roche has been beyond supportive during a dark time for my family. She has taken time to reach out and just make sure we’re ok. My sister in law passed and having my three young nieces here has been challenging. But she not only checked on them and me, but made sure to always include my daughter on her concerns. She sets the bar so high and I could not be more thankful for her!
Kristy is such an inspiration to her student and staff! She is everyone’s cheerleader, especially the students. I’ve been honored to work with Kristy for 11 years, and see how she brings magic into the lives of students, staff and the community! Kristy is able to positively influence students through laughter. She is always smiling, and encouraging and motivating all of those around her. She has an open door policy which just radiates with true love and support. She truly inspires everyone around her; going above and beyond to engage and inspire students in everyday life. Kristy is an amazing person- she's the best.
I’ve worked with Kristy for almost 15 years. She is one of the most selfless people I know! She has a genuine desire to make people happy, especially our students. She makes our students feel included, loved, and cared for, which is why she is truly a blessing to our school district!
Congratulations, Kristy! Thank you for all you do. Hope you feel appreciated. You would still do all you do even if it all continued to go unnoticed. God bless and strengthen you as you serve others! Have a very Merry Christmas full of your favorite BLING!!
If anybody deserves this, it’s Kristy. Thank you for what you do on a daily basis.
To know Kristy is to love her! Everything her colleague said about her is so true plus so much more. Kristy, I am oh so proud of you and proud to call you my “niece”. It has been wonderful watching you through the years grow into this outstanding woman that you are today. South Allegheny students and district are so very fortunate to have you. Keep on sparkling!!
Kristie makes everyone she know feel good about themselves. Love her!
The world is a better place with Kristy in it. My cousin is sunshine personified. Kristy selflessly and tirelessly gives of herself. With an overflowing plate, she still has the ability to be present and make every person she’s with feel like they’re her absolute favorite person. You come away feeling seen, accepted, valued, appreciated, and celebrated...usually with glitter. All young people need a champion, someone who doesn’t ever give up, who is willing to shoot off confetti. They all need a Kristy.
As an old friend of Kristy, I'm sure she is truly deserving of this award!
Kristy is an exceptional counselor and friend. She is not only a constant support system for our students but for our staff as well. She works tirelessly to help out everyone in the district and will always drop what she is doing to help you no matter what. I have been blessed to work with Kristy for 11 years. Through her compassion, positivity, and sense of humor, Kristy always knows how to make your day and I am forever grateful for that!
Kristy is so supportive to our MS students, she goes above and beyond to help them. We are blessed to work with Kristy.
Kristy is an amazing person. She loves all of her students as well as their families. She is such a good friend to everyone she meets. I am lucky to call her my friend as well as my favorite neighbor!!!!!!
I've watched Kristy grow from an adorable 2yr old into the woman she is today. She has overcome obstacles & heartache along the way to becoming the person she is today.
I am Kristy’s Aunt-in-law. She has brought so much joy to the Roche family. Kristy always has kind words to say. She brightens your day just with her presence. I know how much she cares about the children, parents and staff of South Allegheny.
I have had the honor of working with Kristy directly as a counselor myself for her entire career at South Allegheny. Jenna described her personality perfectly. I want to make a special note of her humility in all that she does. She needs nothing in return for her kindness (except maybe glitter and a smile). Her work has inspired me in many ways, that I will be forever grateful for. She is a true example of a school counselor and definitely a life changer!
Kristy is an amazing counselor, co-worker, and friend. She works tirelessly to make a difference for her students. Her positivity and kindness is contagious. We’re lucky to have her on our side!
I have worked with Kristy for many years & she literally has an open door policy for students and staff. I have seen her open her office door & spend her own free time with students who would rather not go to lunch or some that just need a listening ear or time away to decompress. I have stopped in many times to discuss ways we can help students, but she has also been very empathetic when I have had some tough situations myself. Being a counselor is truly her calling and South Allegheny is very blessed to have her on the staff.
Amazing...extraordinary...committed...tireless dedication...supportive...cheerleader...dependable...friend...humanitarian...team player...forward thinker...compassionate...empathetic...listener...encourager...a ray of positivity...optimistically relentless...hard worker...a gem..."princess glitter sparkle"...determined....uplifting...caring...purposeful...mindful...mom...wife...colleague...daughter...counselor...traveling party planner...magical...believer...giver...loyal...honest...selfless...loving...funny and then down right humorous!!! Listen, there truly are not enough words to describe the person that you are. You are absolutely the perfect person to receive this recognition. Without a doubt you are an unwavering kindred spirit of positivity. I feel honored to call you a friend and fortunate to be the recipient of so many of your kind gestures. Kristy, I have personally been touched by your loving soul and can honestly say that be it a message, trinket, object of symbolism or an envelope filled with confetti you have made me smile from ear to ear, when there was no one else in the room...you have brought tears of joy, appreciation and a sense of safety when I felt my world seemed dark. The support you give to others is unmatchable and admirable. You make it very easy to want to be a better person, to find our own strength and to do good for others. I love you with such heart and am so proud to offer these words of testament to the person you are. You truly make life better for those who need it most and for those who least expect it. You never forget what others have done and you champion their contributions to a situation or project all the while looking for no rewards or even praise for yourself and what you have contributed to the task. God creates these special people called angels and while many believe that you must leave this earth to find an angel I know this isn't true because of people like you. Yes they are rare to find but when you find one, you know they are real. Their genuine support of others and undying efforts to build others up, whether they know they need it or not are small signs that the angel is our presence. I can't imagine the rewards our heavenly father has for you some day Kristy but I hope I am there to see partake in them because I know you won't be leaving this earth without the horns, strobe lights, party hats and confetti and that my friend is the ultimate comfort to look for. Congratulations on your nomination and thank you for truly making a difference not only in the lives of students but in the lives of everyone with whom you have shared yourself, be it seconds, minutes, hours, days or years you are that person that leaves people wanting more in life. Hugs to you friend! You are always so busy telling others they rock and today we have been given the unique opportunity to tell you the same.
I have had the honor of working with Kristy in different capacities for he better part of a decade. She is sincere, determined, and inspirational. The rapport she has with students comes from a deep place of positivity. Warmth, acceptance, and empathy are what students can expect to find when they go to her office. Although she is one of the busiest people in the school, she takes care of her many tasks with unflagging initiative, sparkling creativity, and an adaptability to challenges I can only call gifted. She is deserving of many awards. I wish her every success.
Kristy is one of the most positive, helpful, and caring people I know. I don't know how she does it all but finds a way to make everything work cohesively on a daily basis.
I've been fortunate enough to be the recipient of her kindness and have observed what she selflessly does for our students without hesitation.
She is a true advocate for them and takes every opportunity to show how much she genuinely cares.
I was truly touched when she encouraged me by sending cards and notes when I had a different placement within the District.
Thanks for sharing your gift with all of us, Kristy! We are better for it.
Kristy is a bright light in everyone’s day. Our students adore her and are so lucky to have Kristy in their lives. Congratulations on your nomination. Very well deserved.
Kristy is an amazing counselor, co-worker, and friend. She works tirelessly to make a difference for her students. Her positivity and kindness is contagious. We’re lucky to have her on our side!
Kristy is someone I have worked with for a short time and has already made these qualities proven true to me. She really is a great person for our staff and students. SA is fortunate to have her. Her dedication to her work never ceases and she does it with a smile.
Kristy is a one of a kind, exceptional individual that truly cares about helping students. It is her passion and desire to see that each child gets an opportunity to feel special...I know that working in the middle school can be challenging and overwhelming for children and adults, but with a life changer like Kristy, it makes each trauma a little more tolerable and able to see all the positives in their lives
I have had the pleasure to work with Kristy many years ago and I still
remember the tremendous impact that she had on our staff, students and their families. She was very kind and compassionate and would do anything to help someone! She is the type of school counselor that every school wants and needs! She is very deserving of this nomination!!!
I have had the pleasure and honor of Kristy’s friendship for 27 years, having met her in college at Slippery Rock.
Hearing how above and beyond she goes for people in her work realm is truly touching, but not at all surprising, knowing how kind, caring, thoughtful, astutely observant, hilarious, and just all-around wonderful she is and always has been. I am thankful that she is so appreciated.
Kristy, I do always think of you when I see glitter because you ARE glitter to the rest of us!
Kristy is just an all around wonderful person. She truly cares about the students and staff. She takes time out of her day to not only send the staff emails making sure we are surviving, but emails the kids to just say "Hi"
I am Kristy’s mother- in- law. My husband and I are very proud of her kindness and generosity which extends to her family. Her own children and nieces and nephews are touched by her love, encouragement, and compassion.
Kristy is always exploring ways to help her students and their families. Her efforts are never ending. We who know and love her recognize that she will always go the extra mile to make others happy.
I am SO proud of you Kristy. You were born to be a counselor. South Allegheny students and faculty are SO very lucky to have you. Keep doing
your important work and impacting lives.
Wow Jenna Whitney said it perfect. Kristy is not only a colleague but a true friend. She goes above and beyond for everyone. If your having a bad day she will slip you a card with a sticker and a note to make you smile. She is always so worried and concerned for the students and how we can make it better and what we can do for them. I could go on and on but I do thank god everyday that she is in my life
It's difficult to explain someone's value, their daily impact, and their tireless support of staff and students, but Mrs. Whitney was able to do exactly that in this nomination. Mrs. Roche is a source of kindness, grace and courage to all. She is the shelter from the storm.
As Kristy Roche's mom, within days of the pandemic changing our lives, I watched Kristy quickly transition to virtual counseling. She often uses two computers and her cell phone to contact students, parents, and co-workers. She also mailed countless post cards and letters to her students with encouraging personal comments. One day, as I entered her house, I could hear an unusual sound. Kristy was Face Timing with a student who was playing a band instrument. Even though the song was unrecognizable, Kristy gave compliments and encouragement.
Kristy has touched many lives over the years. She springs into action when her students or their families experience tragedy, illness, or move from a shelter to their first home. Several years ago, she rented and drove a moving van, filled it with donated furniture and asked co-workers to help deliver it.
Kristy has partnered with local agencies, the community and even prayer groups to meet the needs of her students. I am so proud of her!
Jenna said everything so eloquently, it is hard to add anything else. However, in my 23 years of teaching, I have never met a more compassionate and patient, kind hearted person. She treats the students and us staff members as family and like the most precious gifts in the world. I can not think of a more deserving person.
The words Jenna wrote here to describe Kristy are spot on. She. Is. The. Best!
Kristy is my niece. I have not observed her in the school but I do know that Kristy has a huge, kind heart. As an example, my daughter Sarah, spent 9 months recently battling cancer. Even though Kristy is extremely busy taking care of everyone at school and in her own home, she still found the time and energy to send a card or package to Sarah every week. She included perfect little gifts for Sarah as well as Sarah’s two small children. Kristy’s thoughtfulness cheered up Sarah and the kids many times. I can’t think of a person who is more deserving of this award.
This is a spot on description of Kristy Roche as she is all of this and more. Kristy is my niece and on a personal basis I can say that Kristy has brightened many of my days with her cheerfulness, encouraging words, sincere concern, and positive vibes. I am so proud of her and the impact she has made on her students and community at large. She is so deserving of all the recognition and praise she receives!
Kristy you are all the things that Jenna said in this nomination letter. You have true passion for what you do and always wear the biggest smile on your face. In the short time I worked with you, you made a lasting impression and I know how much your students and staff adore you. Keep doing what you do ??
I no longer work at South Allegheny, but I was a Health/PE teacher at the middle/high school. I worked directly with Kristy in so many ways. I ran SAP and she helped me with meetings, parent signatures, and getting students help. Her and I started Stand Together in the middle school for mental health. We did PBIS together, the PSSA tests, and she honestly was my own person to go to. I spent every plan period and SAP period in her office. I got to observe her so much in my 4 years at SA. Every second of her day is spent helping students or staff. She is someone who cannot leave work or sleep at night if she thinks one of her students are not okay. The glitter comment is no joke. Every card or note she gave me had glitter falling out. She covered her whole door with inspiring sticky notes for kids to take if they were having a bad day. She kept a snack drawer for students who did not eat enough. She handles and balances so much daily while having a smile on her face no matter what. She is the most happy, upbeat, positive, inspiring person that I know. I’ve worked in a lot of schools and have yet to meet anyone who cares more than she does. Just thinking of how amazing she is to her students makes me want to be a better teacher. You can only imagine how great she is for her own four kids. I could go on forever about how amazing she is and what she means to the students, staff, and community. I truthfully do not know anyone else more deserving of this award.
Kristy is one of the best people waking the planet. No one leaves her office without feeling better than when they went in. She is always dreaming up a scheme to make someone smile. I feel truly happy and ready to laugh when she walks into my classroom. We've laughed lots and cried some together over the years. I am grateful for her big heart, the way she cares for and loves our students and her friendship. I am truly lucky to have her in my life.
Kristy Roche is the best person we have in South Allegheny Middle School. I have been so very fortunate to work along side her. She has helped not only many of my students in so many ways, but also me as a staff member when I am having a tough day as well. Me and the students know how caring and special she is and how lucky we are that she is part of our school!
Kristy is amazing and most deserving of this award.
She is truly one of a kind. She has a heart of gold and would help anyone out. Both of my daughters loved her and now I have the privilege of working with her, she has been so welcoming.
I can’t think of another person who epitomizes kindness in her everyday life like Kristy!! Her ready smile is the real deal! I am honored to call her my friend.
Everything that Jenna Whitney said about Kristy Roche is spot on. Kristy is always there cheering everyone on in the school, students and staff, with a bag of confetti ready to celebrate. She has the biggest heart. Kristy truly is a life changer, and everyone in South Allegheny is grateful to have her.
She cares about the teachers and students like no other person. She is caring and works tirelessly every day to meet the needs of students in need. A true gem that sparkles in the lives of our school.
