WORKING -- Dan Princeotto

Story by Deirdre Newman; photo by [tk]

HE IS

Making suggestions to put students on the right track

USING HIS EXPERIENCE

On a wall in counselor Dan Princeotto’s office at Newport Harbor High

School is a sign that reads: “The mind of a child is like ready kindling

-- all it takes is the spark of a good teacher to set it aglow.”

As a former teacher himself, Princeotto sees himself as the catalyst

that can motivate a student to realize his potential.

“I’ve always felt myself as a source that’s allowed [students] to put

their direction in motion, but it ultimately lies in their hands,”

Princeotto said.

Princeotto has been inspiring students at Newport Harbor for 15 years.

He is one of four counselors who covers the student body caseload of

2,272.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

His first priority in dealing with students is academic advising,

ensuring everyone is ready for graduation. He also encourages students

who might not place a high priority on education to see the value of

finishing what they have started.

“Like most high schools, we always have a percentile that don’t place

a high regard on graduating,” Princeotto said. “That’s sad because it

impacts us as a school.”

Princeotto said his path to high school counseling was nearly

inevitable, given the fact that both his parents worked in education.

In his educational career, he has taught at the elementary, junior

high and high school level, as well as at an alternative school before

settling down as a counselor. And he says he remembers his high school

counselor as being extremely supportive.

“I always felt I had strength in working with young people. I’m

fortunate to have worked with kids at all levels,” Princeotto said.

A HOMETOWN GUY

As a former football star at Estancia High School, Princeotto knows

how important it is for students to be involved in activities outside of

the classroom. So he takes a personal interest in his students’ pursuits.

A bulletin board hangs on another wall adorned with pictures of the many

students whose lives he has affected.

Tino Alvarado, a security guard at Newport Harbor, remembers the

positive effect Princeotto had on his life when he attended TeWinkle

Middle School.

“He’s very direct in letting students know where they should go and

how they should get there,” Alvarado said. “He’ll tell you what’s wrong

and what’s right.”

Princeotto said he sees young people under a lot more pressure than he

remembers in high school.

“Sometimes they can become overwhelmed, and it can throw them into a

whirlwind. The common objective is to encourage them to be successful,”

Princeotto said.