Staff Spotlight!

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Rita Koontz 🌟

Today we are shining the spotlight on someone who has a tremendous impact on the future of our students—our incredible College & Career Counselor, Mrs. Rita Koontz!

Through Mrs. Koontz’s leadership, guidance, and high expectations, our students consistently achieve remarkable postsecondary success. Each year, Bethlehem seniors earn approximately $3,000,000 in scholarships, opening doors to opportunities across the country.

Our students also continue to excel in some of Kentucky’s most prestigious academic programs, averaging 9 Governor’s Scholars (GSP) and 2 Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) or Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs (GSE) participants each year.

This year alone, four members of our senior class earned the University of Kentucky Presidential Scholarship—an incredible honor awarded to only 50 students across the entire state of Kentucky. This prestigious scholarship covers full tuition at the University of Kentucky for students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement.

We are also proud to celebrate:
🎓 A student who earned the $10,000 CEF Father John Morgan Scholarship
🎓 A student who received the Mary Agnes Dugan Clayton Scholarship, a full four-year scholarship to Bellarmine University

Beyond scholarships and awards, Mrs. Koontz plays a vital role in preparing our students for life after high school. Through her College & Career class, students:
✔️ Participate in mock interviews
✔️ Build resumes and professional portfolios
✔️ Apply for scholarships and prepare for college and the workforce

She also coordinates all school testing, brings in weekly college and military representatives, organizes junior job shadowing, and oversees the STAR Term internship program.

At Bethlehem, we ask a lot from our seniors—but high expectations lead to incredible outcomes, and Mrs. Koontz is a big reason why our graduates leave prepared for success.

Thank you, Mrs. Koontz, for your dedication, leadership, and the countless hours you invest in helping our students achieve their dreams. We are so grateful for you! 💙🎓✨

Published March 6, 2026 Print