LUHS’s Ian Trombulak Wins 2025 Vermont High School Counselor of the Year

At a schoolwide assembly on Friday, March 29th, longtime Lamoille Union High School Counselor Ian Trombulak was awarded the 2024 James F. Cawley Vermont High School Counselor of the Year by the Vermont School Counselors Association.  

Trombulak has been a mainstay and consistent voice at Lamoille Union High School (LUHS) for seven years. He brings a wealth of insight to his department and is seen as one of the guiding voices and representatives of LUHS's ‘heart and soul’. Trombulak is known for his energy, humor, and deep ability to listen and engage in the counseling setting.

“I’m super honored.  It’s always amazing to be recognized for something you work really hard at.  It’s not always an easy job, but it’s always a rewarding job,” stated Trombulak.

“While working as a school counselor and meeting with individual students, he doesn’t lose connection with our [LUHS] systems as a whole. He’s always looking for ways to better our building by utilizing his department to do that,” explained Lamoille Union High School Principal Bethann Pirie.

Pirie adds that Trombulak has taken the reins on improving the school’s college and career readiness offerings and support for both students and parents/caregivers.  Pirie says having Trombulak spearhead these improvements has meant these important conversations are happening much earlier than ever before for students and their parents/caregivers.

Trombulak is a Vermont native whose career resume reflects his commitment to supporting and counseling others. After originally attending school with the goal of becoming a teacher, Trombulak spent five years working at a group home as a counselor. However, over that time, Trombulak continued to be drawn to school counseling and ultimately found a home at Lamoille Union High School.

School counselors maximize student success by promoting access and equity. As vital members of the school leadership team, they create a school culture of success for all those around them.

Trombulak brings to his work each school day the qualities embodied by recipients of the James F. Cawley Award—leadership, advocacy, collaboration, teamwork, connection, relationship building, and more.

“From the time Ian was hired, he has shown himself to be a strong collaborator, communicator, and someone who will do anything to support our students.  His expertise is a gift to our school system,” said Lamoille North Superintendent Catherine Gallagher.

Trombulak says he relies on four important pillars each day: being present for the students, authentically engaging with them, being curious about supporting their educational journeys, and being transparent with his LUHS students.

School counselors design and deliver school counseling programs that improve student outcomes. They lead, advocate, and collaborate to promote equity and access for all students by connecting their school counseling program to the school’s academic mission and school improvement plan.

What keeps Trombulak coming back each day?  It’s the students, hands down.  “It’s the kids; they’re so funny, so unafraid, and so unique.  They’re living through this really crazy time, with so many impacts and with so much information at their fingertips, and they’re navigating all of this craziness with such good attitudes and perseverance.  It inspires me each day,” stated Trombulak.

The Vermont School Counselor Association expands the image and influence of professional school counselors through advocacy, leadership, collaboration, and system change.  VTSCA empowers professional school counselors with the knowledge, skills, linkages, and resources to promote student success in school, at home, in the community, and in the world.