At a school where leadership often changes, Mr. Scott has become something rare: a long-lasting principal. In fact, at the end of his 4th year at THS, he is the longest-running principal since the early 2000s. In a role where many don’t stay long, his consistency has helped shape the culture of the school and build stronger relationships with students over time.
Mr. Scott notes that he is “very proud” to serve as principal, especially for this year’s senior class. Mr. Scott has worked with them since their middle school days, when they were returning to classrooms after COVID disruptions, and has stayed with them through all four years of high school.
That kind of continuity isn’t typical, and he doesn’t take it lightly. He admitted this graduation will be different for him, somewhat more personal. Watching this group grow up, adjust, and push through challenges has created a connection that goes beyond the usual principal-student dynamic.
There’s a certain ease about him that students notice right away. When he sat down with the Raider Report staff, it wasn’t overly formal or rushed. He leaned back, legs crossed, answering questions while his blue socks with little dogs on them peeked out, a small detail that reflects what students already know: he’s approachable.
That approachability shows up in how he runs the school. Between his open-door policy and the monthly student focus groups he organizes, Mr. Scott has made student voice a real part of decision-making. Those groups have helped shape everything from classroom experiences to furniture choices to bigger conversations about school culture. He’s used that feedback to guide teacher workshops too, making sure what students say actually leads to change.
One of the clearest examples of that connection is E Day, an idea Mr. Scott helped bring to life. The goal was to give students and teachers a chance to connect outside of regular class time, to “provide an opportunity for students to see their (the teachers’) other sides.”
On E-Day, Teachers lead sessions based on their own interests, giving students a chance to see a different side of them. What started as a simple idea has turned into something students genuinely look forward to, and it continues to grow with student input.
May 1 was Principal Appreciation Day, and the students showed their appreciation in a memorable way this year. Seniors decorated his office with a full beach theme, a nod to his love of the ocean and the Florida condo he visits during breaks. But the celebration didn’t stop there. Hundreds of mini pictures of Mr. Scott’s face were placed all around the school. By the end of the day, students were taking them off the walls and sticking them onto their notebooks and folders.
For many students, what stands out about Mr. Scott is the hard work, dedication, and care he has put into being our principal, building relationships, and showing up for students.
