Before coming to FHS seven years ago, guidance department head Mark Bjorkman worked for 31 years at Preston High School as a job placement coordinator, guidance counselor, and coach. As a hurdle coach and counselor he stays very busy, yet is described by students and teachers as comprehensive, complete, thorough, and successful.

            “[I knew I wanted to] work with people one way or another,” Bjorkman said.

            For his undergraduate degree, Bjorkman went to Fairmont Sate University and received a bachelor’s in education. From there, he moved on to West Virginia University and got a masters in guidance.

            While at Preston, Bjorkman coached track and cross country for 10 years. His best year was probably in 2005 when the girls track team at Preston won the state championship.

            “You always get to see a different side of a student outside of school,” Bjorkman said. “[I get to talk to students] on the bus or in the stands. It’s not always about AP, or what they want to do when they grow up; we just talk. Some students are focused in school but not out, and some are [the reverse].”  

Senior Shantel Jones is among many students who know Bjorkman as her counselor, as well as coach.

            “It’s good seeing him everyday,” Jones said. “He helps get me to where I want to be with track times and college-wise. He’s definitely there for his athletes.”

            Bjorkman was active in his high school, playing four different sports – football, basketball, baseball, and track. In college, however, he was on the baseball team at Fairmont for two years.

            “I kept busy in college,” Bjorkman said. “[I played baseball] because I was better at baseball and had a better chance. I [also] played intramural basketball and flag football. It was fun to do all [the sports]; I like versatility. When I was younger, I liked to compete. I enjoyed working hard to get better.” 

            When he’s not working, Bjorkman likes to spend his time outdoors.

            “I do a lot of work at home,” Bjorkman said. “I do landscaping, mow the grass, and house-painting. I enjoy getting away from computers, and phones, to do physical labor. I [also] bike a lot.”    

            Bjorkman is also a husband, father, and grandfather. He has two daughters – 33-year-old Brook, who is a teacher, and 29-year-old Betheny, who is a nurse. Brook has two girls of her own – Lacy, who is six, and Laighton, who is about six weeks.

“It’s great watching the little ones grow up,” Bjorkman said. “They stay with us all the time. The things [Lacy] says and does… It’s really great.”

With his daughters living about two miles away from him, he gets to see them often.

“I see them all the time – during the week and on weekends,” Bjorkman said. “When I left West Virginia it was hard, but I can’t imagine not being able to watch them grow up.”

            When it comes to his job, Bjorkman is always looking to do what’s right for each student, and sometimes this can be challenging.

            “I think about if that student were my son or daughter, and put some thought into [my decisions],” Bjorkman said. “Some [decisions] may seem cut and dry, [but I] want to look at both sides. I try to make decisions that are right and fair for everyone.”

            Even students who don’t have Bjorkman as their counselor, such as junior Drew Downey, appreciate him.

            “He seems understanding and like he cares a lot about the students,” Downey said. 

            Working as a guidance counselor with students definitely creates a sense of achievement.

            “[The most fulfilling part] is seeing a student be successful,” Bjorkman said. “At the end of the year when they’ve gained admission [to a college], or take good classes, [that’s my favorite]. The best part is when a student becomes prepared for the next level or university.”

            Guidance counselor Julie Kirk had high accolades for her coworker, saying it’s fabulous working with him.

            “He’s very professional and has a memory like an elephant,” Kirk said. “The most impressive thing is his ability to retain information. He knows his kids and everyone else’s. He’s constantly putting together statistics; he could’ve been a statistician. He’s so pleasant and kind, and you know he’s in a good mood when he’s whistling.”   

            Bjorkman looked stuck when asked if he would have wanted a different career.

            “I really enjoy my job,” Bjorkman said. “I look forward to work most days, [and] the [staff] is great to work with.”