Leighton Swanson is pictured recently inside his office at the Hewes Educational Center in Ashville. Swanson reflected on his lengthy career as a school counselor shortly before retirement. Submitted photo

ASHVILLE — For years, Leighton Swanson helped guide students in their academic life and beyond. As the longtime school counselor at the Hewes Educational Center in Ashville, he provided plenty of advice and ensured students met their full potential.

To the Bemus Point native, being a counselor also meant that no two days were the same.

“We’re in the business of helping kids and teaching them how to solve their problems,” said Swanson shortly before he retired from Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES. “We teach them how to handle conflicts, negotiate with adults, and communicate effectively with people.”

A graduate of Maple Grove High School, SUNY Brockport, and St. Bonaventure University, Swanson began his E2CCB career as an Alternative Education counselor in Orchard Park and Springville. The job was both challenging and rewarding.

“It’s our job to support the districts in trying to get these students back on track,” Swanson said. “Oftentimes, these students just needed to be in smaller classrooms, to be in different environments or settings.”

Swanson eventually made his way to Hewes where he continued to work in Alternative Education for more than a decade.

“You get to know the kids personally, one-on-one,” he said. “And many of them were very successful. They ended up moving on and doing great things. It’s very challenging but rewarding work at the same time.”

When Hewes needed a counselor for its Career & Technical Education programs, Swanson said he jumped at the opportunity. He said CTE helps students “really learn what they need to get gainful employment.”

Hewes offers Automotive Body Repair, Automotive Technology, Conservation/Heavy Equipment/Natural Resource Management, Construction Technology, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Health Careers, Information Technology/Computer Systems, and Small Animal Science.

On more than one occasion, Swanson said a former student has approached him and recounted a conversation the two had years ago. He said hearing from former students “warms my heart.”

“They will tell me that it’s because of a talk we had one day that gave them insight into what they wanted to do with their life,” he said. “That’s very rewarding.”

Swanson’s lengthy career was recognized during a Senior Awards Night ceremony in Falconer and this year’s Senior Recognition Ceremony at Chautauqua Institution. He said his retirement is “bittersweet,” leaving Hewes and its incredible staff.

Career and Technical Education programming typically serves students in their junior and senior years of high school, with students selecting the option to attend an E2CCB CTE program in their sophomore year.

For more information, visit e2ccb.org.