Scott Fiske has been principal at Western High for five years, but when he remembered his greatest moment in that job, he didn't highlight any awards or special recognition. Instead, he recalled the three weeks he spent teaching a pre-calculus class because a teacher was out.
That memory embodied the words Broward's newest Principal of the Year lives by.
''My goal is to learn something every day, and my second goal is to teach something every day,'' said Fiske, who won the award at a ceremony Wednesday night at the Signature Grand in Davie.
Western's guidance director, Dierdre Wilson, wiped away tears as she congratulated Fiske.
''We are so proud of our principal, our leader,'' she said. ``What a phenomenal person!''
Fiske, 40, has had a long career in education. He started teaching 17 years ago at Olsen Middle in Dania Beach before getting a job as assistant principal at Plantation High. He moved to Western in 2003.
Fiske was recognized by the state two years ago when Western's letter grade jumped from C to A.
During his tenure as principal, the school's graduation rate and enrollment in rigorous Advanced Placement classes have both increased.
The school pays extra attention to ninth graders to help them navigate the difficult transition from middle to high school.
Freshmen have their own academy; the lowest performers get remedial help.
''This is and has been the most rewarding job I could have ever hoped to have,'' Fiske said.
Second time was the charm for Margate Middle's Oslay Gil, who on Wednesday was named Assistant Principal of the Year. Gil, 35, a finalist last year, said he felt privileged and honored to be chosen again. He also said going through the nomination process a second time was ''nerve-wracking,'' noting that his young daughter cried last year when he didn't win.
This year, Kayla, now 6, and 4-year-old brother Mason, got to join their dad on stage as he accepted the award for his work at the school he calls ''Mar-great'' Middle.
''This award may bear my name, but this award is on behalf of Mar-great Middle School,'' said Gil, 35, who has been an assistant principal there for four years.
Gil is credited with helping students make gains in reading, writing and math and with reducing the number of suspensions.
He gave special thanks to his parents, who left Cuba 28 years ago for the United States to give the family a better life.
''What an amazing country America is,'' he said.
The award comes with a $2,500 prize for Fiske and $2,000 for Gil. Fiske also won the opportunity to travel to Australia next month for a principal-exchange program.
The district launched the ACCLAIM Awards in 2000 to honor school principals and assistant principals who excel in achievement, communication, compassion, leadership, accountability, innovation and motivation.
