School counselor fired for 'inappropriate actions'

A FEMALE guidance counselor at the Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne has been terminated for "inappropriate actions" she had with two cadets Saturday night, according to a statement from the school.

Symantha Hicks, who is in her 30s, is accused of supplying alcohol to the cadets and may have engaged in sexual acts with one of them, according to a source.

Radnor Police Chief William Colarulo confirmed that an investigation is ongoing but declined to further comment.

According to a statement from Valley Forge spokeswoman Jennifer Myers, the school became aware of the allegations on Sunday and placed Hicks on suspension pending an investigation.

By Tuesday, the school had enough evidence to permanently terminate her, which it did, the statement said.

"Her employment was terminated due to a violation of the school's code of conduct and ethics policy, and alcohol policy," Myers said.

As of yesterday, any mention of Hicks had been taken off Valley Forge's website. In a listing of faculty members, the director of academy guidance was listed as "TBA."

"Valley Forge does not tolerate behavior that jeopardizes the safety or well-being of any member of our community," the statement read. "Because of this high standard, when 'conduct unbecoming' occurs, the administration will take immediate action, as it did in this instance."

Valley Forge Military Academy is a boarding and day school for boys in seventh to 12th grades.