Mr. Intlekofer: 30 years and still going strong
Richard Intlekofer, better known as Mr. I, has been part of the Newbury Park community for 48 years. After moving to Newbury Park in 1965 as a junior in high school, Mr. Intlekofer went on to graduate from Notre Dame with a major in English and then from Cal Lutheran where he earned his teaching credential. He worked as an English teacher at Sequoia Middle School and Newbury Park until his counseling career at Newbury Park High School began in 1986. This was where he remained for 30 years until his retirement in 2013.
“I always knew I would become a counselor at one point,” Intlekofer said. “40 years altogether in education, working with all levels: elementary, high school, college and college graduate programs.”
Even though Mr. Intlekofer officially retired in 2013, he still works in the College and Career Center (CCC) on Mondays and Wednesdays from nine in the morning until the end of student lunch. He reminds students to utilize their counselors as much as they can because they are the ones making the big decisions regarding their education here at NPHS, while he is here to assist.
“Students can reach me here in the CCC by coming in to see me, or by email address. But students need to make sure that they are taking full advantage of the counselors because they do a great job. I am here and more than happy to help supplement what the counselors are doing,” Intlekofer said.
Carmencita Ricafort, a College and Career guidance specialist available in the CCC, witnesses Intlekofer interact with students every Monday and Wednesday.
“He is probably one of the most amazing counselors I have ever met. When Mr. Colangelo and I watch him we always say how now we can watch the master,” Ricafort said. “One thing that really sticks out is you can tell by the way he interacts with the students that he truly cares. For him, the students come first and he will do everything to make sure students pursue their dreams but at the same time he is very realistic about the numerous options for students.”
Olivia Diliberti, junior, is one of the many students that Intlekofer works with to advise about testing and college.
“Mr. Intlekofer has helped me schedule and space out my tests for the whole year. He is also a very nice person who does anything he can to assist his students,” Diliberti said.
Throughout the 40 years that Intlekofer was involved in education, he has witnessed hundreds of kids cross the threshold from high school to the outside world.
“It has been so great to watch young people grow and learn lessons, not just in school but also life lessons, to walk beside them on their journey from the time they came in to the time they leave,” Intlekofer said.
Intlekofer’s many years of experience have given him the ability to advise any student specifically to their situation. Every student is different, but he offers advice applicable to every student.
“Enjoy, work hard but also look for opportunities beyond the classroom because that makes a full student. Ask questions, and remember to treat (yourself) and each other with kindness and make good decisions,” Intlekofer said. “Words I’ve said thousands of times: you do the best you can, and it will all work out.”
