In Jerry Buckley’s office, trophies on the back window sill and degrees hanging on the wall display his 27 years of hard work.

As Director of School Counseling, Buckley oversees the school counselors who work with students, helping them get through their academics in high school and preparing them for academics in college.

“Bishop Kenny offers students many resources to be able to achieve academic excellence while being prepared for the future,” Buckley said.

Buckley is also in charge of the PSAT administration. A major part of this role is assigning the rooms for the students to test in, instructing teachers on how to administer the tests and giving talks to the students about their College Board accounts.

Additionally, Buckley is a member of an organization called Hearts, Minds and Souls. It is made up of administrators who meet and discuss how they can help students who are struggling with academics, behavior or mental and emotional well-being.

“The people I work with, and also the kids…it just feels like a very special place,” Buckley said.

Prior to working at Bishop Kenny, Buckley lived in New York, moving to Jacksonville in 1999.

Buckley’s faith is a huge part of his life and he says that played a major role in his desire to work here.

“I knew a little bit about the reputation when I interviewed here and, you know, my Catholic faith was a big part of it,” Buckley said. “Being able to work in a school where that can be recognized, and just knowing that the academic and athletic strength of the school is definitely attractive.”

Buckley is also the varsity boys basketball coach. He began his coaching career at Kenny in 1999 when he was named coach of the freshman team. Buckley continued on as the junior varsity coach for six years, before becoming the head coach of the varsity team.

Buckley uses his skills from counseling to form a well-rounded team. Buckley says he focuses on having trust within the basketball team.

“We have nine district titles, we’ve been to the regional finals five times, and we’ve advanced to two final fours,” he shares.

The roots run deep in the Buckley family with basketball. He played basketball at Catholic University, and now his sons Patrick and Daniel, who both played for Bishop Kenny, have continued the Buckley legacy at Catholic University.

For 27 years now, hundreds of basketball games and thousands of PSATs taken, Buckley has played a part in it all.

“I feel lucky to work here,” Buckley said.