Beginning his seventh school year as a counselor, Martin McCarthy starts fresh at Lemont High School, being a full-time counselor for students with the last names A through D. 

After graduating from Amos Alonzo Stagg High School, McCarthy studied exercise science and psychology at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he also played football for four years. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served two years until he was medically discharged due to an airborne jump injury. From there, McCarthy got his masters in school counseling at Lewis University. McCarthy then became a school counselor at Beloit Turner High School for the last six years. 

McCarthy found his love for school counseling after observing his brother work as a school counselor.

 “I absolutely loved what he was doing,” McCarthy said. “It seemed like there [were] some great connections with high schoolers that I wanted to make myself. I wasn’t 100% like, ‘Is this going to be me?’ But I will tell you once I was at my first class at Lewis University, [I] absolutely loved it.”

Along with counseling students, McCarthy makes an impact outside of his office as he is involved with several activities at LHS.

“I was able to get connected with the freshman football team [and] I’ve been coaching all throughout July,” McCarthy said. “I am planning on being the JV girls basketball coach, as well. [I’m] really excited about [that] kind of that balance between girls and boys sports.”

McCarthy’s favorite part about working at LHS is the kindness shown by both students and staff.

“There’s been nothing but a welcoming experience here and that’s not just from the staff, it’s from [the] students [too]. I feel like I’ve hit the ground running here,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy is excited to make connections with students and continue to aid them throughout their high school journey. 

“I want success for each and every one of you,” McCarthy said.