Becoming a freshman in high school can be full of scary situations and confusing emotions.

We went to Barren County High School's Trojan Academy to find out more about one guidance counselor who's always willing to help students in need in this week's Hometown Hero.

"They may have some type of conflict going on," said Amy Allen, guidance counselor at Trojan Academy. "They may have something that they want to celebrate that they're really proud of. I just kind of act as the Mother Hen, I guess."

When Ms. Sergent, and English teacher, had her freshman English class read "The Odyssey," and epic poem about a hero, she had them write letters about their heroes.

Most letters were about their guidance counselor, Amy Allen.

"I think there were seventeen that wrote, and they were dispersed throughout all the different classes, from Honors classes to regular classes," said Ms. Sergent. "Many kids from all walks of life thought that she had really helped them out."

"She helps me out a lot, and other people," said Calvin Penn, a freshman who wrote his letter about Mrs. Allen. "I know it's her job, but she doesn't really act like it's her job. She more like a friend that just tries to help you out."

"When you walk in in the morning to the cafeteria, she's always got a smile on her face, and she always brings joy to everyday," said Ashley Shelton, a freshman who wrote her letter about Mrs. Allen.

Amy Allen was a teacher for six years until she decided to become a guidance counselor.

She felt it was the best way to reach as many children as possible.

"Relationships is a big one," said Allen. "Also what they want to do as far as careers. Lots of students come in wanting to plan out their entire high school career learning about AP classes and dual credit classes, and what they can do to better prepare themselves to make sure that they get into that college that they want to."

She says the students may see her as a hero, but she's just doing the job she loves.

"I try to be optimistic, and I like to be able to tell people that I'll take care of that for them and make sure that whatever it is that they need or that they want done, that I'll do that," said Allen. "Try to take a burden off of somebody and make their life easier."

We honor Amy Allen as this week's Hometown Hero.