Hive Stringer Q&A

Kelan Wanza - Mar 16, 2026 

Hive reporter Kelan Wanza spent some time recently with Huntsville High School counselor Marsha Stringer. Enthusiastically, Mrs. Stringer answered Kelan’s questions and told us all about her life as a high school counselor. 

Q: Take us back to your high school days. What were your ambitions? What did you want to do for a living? How long have you wanted to work in education?

When I was in high school, I wanted to go to Texas A&M University and become a physical therapist. I always loved kids, loved babysitting and had lots of teachers in my family, but I wanted to do something that made more money. 

The summer after my freshmen year of college, I volunteered in a physical therapist’s office. The first few patients were crying because they were in so much pain.  I knew pretty quickly that being a physical therapist was not the job for me. I decided then to major in education. I knew I would love it and decided that enjoying my job was more important than money.  =)

Q: Where did you go to high school and college?  Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Huntsville and graduated from Huntsville High School. I have always been a Hornet. =)  

I attended Texas A&M University and received my bachelor’s degree in education. I went to Lamar University for my master’s in school counseling. 

Q: What did you do before you became a counselor? Did you teach in the classroom? If so, what did you teach and for how long? What made you want to become a counselor?

I was a teacher for 20 years before I became a counselor. I taught fifth and sixth grade math and science and then language arts. As a teacher, I always had students that needed to talk about struggles, their future, etc. It was hard to find time to talk to them privately. 

I decided that I wanted to work on my master’s in school counseling so I would have more time to have those conversations and help students. 

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Hobbies? Family activities? Fun stuff?

I love spending time with my family. I am married and have two grown boys.  

As of Sunday, I have my first grandson. He is so preciousand I know I will be spending lots of time with him. 

My family gets together regularly.  My parents are still living and they also live in town. I see them all the time too. We are a close family. 

I love to read mystery/suspense books, watch and attend sporting events (specifically football & baseball), shop and travel.   

Q: What do you like about working with young people? What motivates you and drives you every day?

I tell people all the time that meeting with the students is the very best part of my job. There is a lot of paperwork and other things, but when I am with students I am happy.  

I just love talking to students about all things. I was an elementary counselor before I moved to high school. I have been fortunate to get to see my elementary students grow up. It has been so special to see what they are doing now and what they choose to do after high school.   

Helping students is what drives me. Being a school counselor is a very special job and you get so many opportunities to support students. It is the best!