Scott Fiske

Principal
Western High School
Florida

What is an Influencer? Individuals who take actions to make a difference in the strength, well-being and success of their communities. Parents, coaches, teachers, counselors, community leaders and others to whom young people turn when making major decisions about their futures.

How long have you been in the education field?
I’ve proudly spent the past 18 years in the education sector serving in a wide range of positions including – teacher, technology specialist, assistant principal and for the past seven years, a principal.

When did you first become interested in education?
My interest in the education field began when I was in high school, but despite my initial fascination I ended up studying engineering at college and graduated with a degree in civil engineering from the University of Miami. After graduation, I made the decision that I did not want to relocate in order to find a job, and instead I started my own business and began substitute teaching on the side. While substitute teaching I came to realize that my calling was, in fact, in education and decided to pursue it as a full time career.

Who had the greatest influence on you growing up?
The importance of education was always stressed in my home; however, I never felt pressured to perform, the motivation was always in the form of support and encouragement. Growing up my greatest influence was my parents. My father was a career Army officer. Looking back, I have a greater appreciation for the educational part of my father’s job in the Army. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, he was always either teaching someone or learning himself.  In retrospect this likely had a greater impact on me than I realized.   

What is your connection to the Army?
I grew up as an Army brat as my father spent over 20 years in the Army. I have fond memories associated with my childhood. Presently, I am principal of a school, Western High School, with the largest JROTC enrollment of any in my district.  The voluntary program represents nearly one-sixth of our student population.

Why do you think the Army is a good partner for the education community?
I think the Army is an outstanding educational partner. In one way or another, the Army is always educating its Soldiers.  The Army develops its own curriculum, texts and staff to train and educate Soldiers.  It is natural to expect that they would collaborate with educational institutions that are responsible for many of the same processes. 

What motivates you to be an advocate for the Army?
My positive experiences as a child and the experiences the Army and other branches of the military have made in the lives of several young individuals I have mentored over the years has made me a proud advocate for the opportunities the Army can provide.

What educational resources that the Army sponsors do you think are particularly helpful?
I have found that the JROTC curriculum, Writing for Sergeants curriculum and March2Success are all great programs that many of my students have used quite effectively. I am most impressed with the JROTC curriculum because of its leadership and civic education. I believe that for many students the Army is a great post-secondary option.

Why is it important for community leaders to support the Army?
It is extremely important for influencers and members of our community to support the Army and its partnership with education. First and foremost as citizens we must support our Army in its primary role of defending our nation on all fronts.  Beyond that, as an educator, I have seen firsthand the difference the Army and other branches of the Armed Services have made in the lives of young men and women.  It is a great option for many young people as both a career and preparation for other careers.