Western High principal named Broward County's best

By Kathy Bushouse

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

May 07, 2008

If Scott Fiske had it his way, he'd still be in the classroom - at least to teach one math class a day.

He'll have to settle for being Broward County 's top principal for 2008.

Fiske's demanding schedule as Western High School's principal may keep him out of the classroom, but his skill at balancing the many demands of his job - administrator and community leader - earned him top honors Wednesday night.

'This ... is the most rewarding job I could have ever hoped to have,' Fiske said after accepting his award during the ceremony at the Signature Grand in Davie. 'It's truly an honor to represent every principal who's in this room.'

Fiske has been Western High's principal for five years, and an educator for 17, starting his career as a math teacher at Olsen Middle School. Since taking over at Western, the school's graduation rate has risen to 89.8 percent from 33.6 percent. Enrollment in Advanced Placement and honors classes also has increased.

In 2006, Fiske received the Turn Around Principal Award, after Western's school grade went to an A from a C. And in his time at the school, Western has earned several honors, including the Five Star School Award, the Golden School Award and the Silver Award.

Among the dozens rooting Fiske on Wednesday was English teacher Mary Bevilacqua, who was 'thrilled beyond words' for her principal. 'We know that a great leader makes a great school,' she said.

As principal of the year, Fiske will receive several prizes, including $2,500 and an expenses-paid trip to Australia as part of a principal exchange.

Also honored Wednesday night was Oslay Gil, assistant principal at Margate Middle. He'll take home $1,000 plus other prizes as assistant principal of the year.

Gil, a Cuban immigrant and graduate of Stranahan High School, has been an assistant principal at Margate Middle School for four years and an educator for nine. He's credited with helping boost reading, math and writing scores at Margate Middle, and moving the school's grade from a C to an A.

His victory met with raucous cheers from his family and colleagues, who waved pictures of Gil as they chanted his name. Gil shared the honor with the staff and teachers at Margate Middle, which he calls 'Mar-great Middle.'

'I happen to work with the most wonderful, most dedicated teachers in Broward County ,' he said.

Finalists for principal of the year were Washington B. Collado of Lyons Creek Middle School, Dee Knabb of Central Park Elementary School, and Vered Roberts of Hollywood Hills Elementary School.

Assistant principal finalists included Michelle Kefford of Western High, Cindy Pluim of Lauderhill Middle School and Jennifer Woertz-Kashdin of Harbordale Elementary School.

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