At Seneca High School, education goes far beyond textbooks and classrooms. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Jill Rockrohr, director of special services and school psychologist, and Sam Leake, school social worker, students receive not just academic instruction but emotional and practical support to help them thrive.

Jill has been with Seneca High School for 11 years, moving from her role as a school psychologist into the director of special services position in 2019. Her work ensures that students with special education needs, 504 plans, and English language learning services get the right support to succeed.

Sam, a 2013 Seneca graduate, returned to her alma mater in 2021 as the school social worker. Her role focuses on mental health, counseling, and breaking down barriers that could prevent students from thriving. Together, Jill and Sam have built a comprehensive student support system that is making a real difference.

One of the most visible successes of their work is The Irish Care Closet, a resource created to ensure that no student at Seneca High School goes without basic necessities.

“We started small—just keeping extra gym clothes in my office,” Sam says. “But we quickly realized the need was much greater.”

From that small beginning, The Irish Care Closet grew into a full-scale resource center, recently moved into a larger classroom to accommodate the donations. Now, it provides students with clothing, outerwear, hygiene products, laundry detergent, and more—no questions asked.

Stigma is often a barrier to students seeking help, so access is made as discreet as possible. Students can request items online through a Google form that only Sam sees, and they can have their requested items delivered directly to their lockers, ensuring discretion.

“This is about making sure students feel comfortable getting the help they need,” Sam explains. “No one should have to struggle in silence.”

The care doesn’t stop there. Seneca High School also runs a food assistance program in partnership with local churches, ensuring students have access to meals even when school is out.

“We work with Packs for Pals, a local program that provides food for students every week during the school year,” Sam says. “But we saw the need didn’t stop when summer started. So, we worked with the administration to launch a summer extension—making sure students don’t go hungry when school is out.”

Sam coordinates weekly food distributions during the summer months, ensuring that students from Seneca and its feeder districts have access to meals. Even transportation challenges are addressed—school principal Mr. Mike Coughlin personally delivers food bags to families in need.

For Jill and Sam, supporting students isn’t just about academics—it’s about removing any obstacles that could hold them back.

“We’re always looking at what’s best for students,” Jill says. “Is what we’re doing helping them succeed? Is it creating a positive culture? That’s what ‘The Seneca Way’ means to me—it’s a framework for making decisions that truly support students and staff.”

For Sam, The Seneca Way means trust and empowerment.

“Our administration trusts us to create programs that help students,” she says. “When I have an idea, they say, ‘Go for it.’ That freedom allows us to really make an impact.”

And sometimes, the best support comes with four paws and a wagging tail.

Lucky, Seneca’s therapy dog, has become an essential part of the school’s mental health efforts. Funded through the United Way of Eastern LaSalle County, Lucky was placed at Seneca High School through a program called Paw Pals, which aims to provide therapy dogs to schools.

As Lucky’s official handler, Jill worked through months of training to integrate her into the school. Every day, Lucky is present in classrooms, counseling sessions, and group activities, offering comfort and companionship to students who need it most.

“She knows exactly when a student is struggling,” Sam says. “She’ll walk straight over, lay her head in their lap, and just stay there. It’s incredible how much comfort she brings.”

From providing basic needs to breaking down mental health barriers, Seneca High School is committed to ensuring that no student is left behind.

“Education isn’t just about grades,” Jill says. “It’s about making sure students feel supported, safe, and valued. Because when they do, everything else falls into place.”