Student Services (Counseling Office)

The School Counselors at First Flight High School help all students address developmental needs. Acting as student's advocate, the role or a school counselor is to provide and deliver a comprehensive school counseling program encouraging all students' academic, career and social/emotional development and helping all students in maximizing their student achievement (American School Counselor Association).

From your Counselors at First Flight High School:

We are here to support you in any way possible. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need our support. In an effort to simplify and streamline information from the First Flight High School Counseling Center, we have included very important information on Scholarships, College of the Albemarle, Registration and other details on this page.

Counseling and Office Hours:

Counselors are available during the school day to address a wide array of needs for every FFHS student.

Scholarships:

• Local Scholarship packages are available in February. Learn more on the Scholarship Info tab on this page. Parents and students also can learn more about financial aid for college by viewing this YouTube video of our Fall 2022 online meeting with CFNC's Amy Denton.

English as a Second Language:

• Mora Newton serves as ESL Instructional Specialist. Email her at newtonmo@daretolearn.org.

COA-Dual Enrollment:

• Learn more about our partnership with College of the Albemarle by visiting the COA Dual Enrollment page in our Academics tab.

Mrs. Mitchell-Counseling Secretary:

If you need transcripts, please email Mrs. Mitchell at mitchellde@daretolearn.org. She will email it to you or give you a pick up time depending on the need.

News for Parents of Incoming Freshmen:

Are you the parent of a rising ninth-grade student coming to FFHS in 2024? You can learn more about the course registration process by watching a recording of this online info session!

Contact information for FFHS Counselors:

• Mrs. Amy White Alphabet H-N; whiteam@daretolearn.org
• Mrs. Lisa Wheless Alphabet A-G; whelessli@daretolearn.org
• Ms. Beth Garrett (Lead School Counselor) Alphabet O-Z; garrettbe@daretolearn.org

Meet the counselors here!

Lisa Wheless, Counselor (last names A-G)
whelessli@daretolearn.org | 252-449-7000 EXT 2432

My name is Lisa Wheless and this is my ninth year at First Flight High School.  I have 15 years all together as a school counselor in Dare County. 

I was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to a military dad and a mom from Czechoslovakia.  I am one of five children and am an identical twin. I have my BA in Art History from Chapel Hill (where my twin and I played tennis) and my MEd from Campbell University in School Guidance and Counseling.  I am married with two children.

I feel I have found my calling as a counselor and am excited to work with young adults as a career.

Amy White, Lead Counselor, (last names H-N)
whiteam@daretolearn.org | 252-449-7000 EXT 2443

Hi. My name is Amy White and this is my 7th year at FFHS. I have been a school counselor for 19 years, starting my career in South Florida. I’m originally from Pittsburgh, PA (Go Steelers!). I currently live in Kill Devil Hills with my husband and daughter. I enjoy working with the students to provide academic, social/emotional support and college/career planning. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or you need assistance.

Beth Garrett, Counselor (last names O-Z)
garrettbe@daretolearn.org | 252-449-7000 EXT 2448

My name is Beth Garrett and I have been working as a school counselor since 2013. I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with my M.Ed. in Counselor Education. Prior to that I lived in Delray Beach, Florida for eight years. I attended Florida Atlantic University where I earned my BA in English. I love my son, the beach and working with young people to support their academic, occupational, and social/emotional needs.

Duke Wallin, Career Development and Special Populations Coordinator
wallindu@daretolearn.org | 252-449-7000 EXT 2499
Career Development Services Website

 

Hi,  My name is Duke Wallin and I am the Career Development and Special Populations Coordinator here at First Flight. I assist students with career exploration and planning. I also help support students in CTE classes who may have special needs. I have 26 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher and coordinator. I hold a terminal degree in Global Training & Development from National University. I am a pet parent of one and enjoy the outdoors, sports, and dining out. Find out more about careers or my sock collection by stopping by student services or sending an email.

Debbie Mitchell, Secretary
mitchellde@daretolearn.org | 252-449-7000 EXT 2444

My name is Debbie Mitchell. I am a counseling secretary and I have been employed with the Dare County Schools for 16 years. I am originally from upstate New York and I am a huge Appalachian State fan. I currently live in Kill Devil Hills with my husband and my three dogs, but I have two grown sons and three granddaughters and a grandson. I enjoy working in the counseling center and helping students any way I can.