New head principal Scott Strickler monitoring the cafeteria. Photo Creds: Josie Armes
Watauga County Schools has hired a new head principal, Scott Strickler, to take over the position following Dr. Chris Banton’s departure to WCS Central Office. An Appalachian State University graduate, Strickler is excited to be returning to the High Country, so he can get to know Watauga High School and its students.
Strickler grew up in eastern Tennessee and was inspired by the wonderful teachers he had there. He then went on to attend Appalachian State for their education program. Strickler was hired for his first teaching job at Rosamund Middle School.
“Dr. Scott Elliott, the recently retired superintendent, was the principal of Rosamund Middle School at the time and actually ended up hiring me for my first full-time teaching job,” Strickler said.
After being hired at Rosamund Middle School Strickler taught a multitude of different classes and grades. After teaching for many years, Strickler moved into the assistant principal role at Brevard Middle School, eventually making his way up to becoming head principal at Rosamund Middle School.
“I enjoyed teaching middle school, and then, before I left Transylvania County, I was at Brevard High School,” Strickler said. “I really enjoyed being a high school principal. I think high school is just such a neat ending point for K-12 education.”
Strickler is looking forward to the school year. He hopes to build upon already-existing programs to make every student feel represented in their interests.
“I hope I bring some versatility in that I want to hear about the great things that are happening here, and then integrate or enhance them,” Strickler said. “We have a drone program here. Do we have that motivation for every student? How do we make what we already have even better?”
Strickler not only felt a connection to the area that drew him to come back but also the sense of community that emanates from Watauga High School. He appreciates how much the student body shows up to support their peers at various events.
“This is a community school,” said Strickler. “I think the week before school there was something here every single night and then there were four things on Saturday, from sporting events to the Back to School Festival.”
Strickler is excited for every aspect of the 2023-2024 school year, from graduation at the end of the year to the ongoing football season. For Strickler, every event that Watauga has this upcoming year is an opportunity to learn more about the school and its students.
“Football games are a cool community thing, but I am also pumped about the spring musical,” Strickler said. “Everyone tells me about Mamma Mia! last year and that’s just something that is so cool.”
From football games to the spring musical, Scott Strickler is ready to see and connect with Watauga as much as he can for his first year and to provide a solid basis for building future school years upon.
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