New director offers 38 years of experience

By COBY LaRUE
Staff

With 38 years of experience and a Ph.D. in music, Jack L. Scott could hardly be classified as a new teacher.

Sporting a colorful bow tie and bringing along a passion for teaching music, Scott left a comfortable life in semi-retirement to lead the Alleghany High School music program through the rest of the year.

He is taking over the position of Chris Jones, who was director until October, when he resigned.

Scott will also teach middle-school students at Sparta Elementary. Scott, who lives about 15 minutes from AHS near Independence, Va. on Beaver Dam Road, has been retired for three years, but continues to "sub" a variety of classes at schools all over the region.

He was contacted by AHS Principal Jim Halsey and said he took the job on Oct. 18 because the school was "in a pinch," but he only plans to hold it until the end of this school year. At age 66, Scott said that he does not plan to go back to work full time on a long-term basis.

Jack L. Scott, recently named band director, pauses
for a photo in the band room at Alleghany High School
Monday afternoon.

"I've had 38 years in the classroom and that is enough," Scott said with a smile.

However, prior to coming here, he had been substitute teaching English at Galax (Va.) High School for a teacher on maternity leave. He noted that he will most likely continue to substitute even after he leaves Alleghany High. "I probably have been spending about 100 days a year subbing," Scott noted.

When asked about reasons for accepting the position here, Scott said that one of his main reasons for accepting the interim position at Alleghany was because of the students.

"One reason I took the job is because I knew the kids were nice," he said. "They've accepted their assignments with willingness and good attitude.

"These kids are just colossal," he added. "They have accepted me and my system."

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