Scott Graham ’00, a physics, math and dual enrollment teacher at Windsor High School (WHS) in Windsor, Virginia, goes beyond teaching equations to transforming the educational landscape.
His impactful teaching and devotion to student growth and success recently earned him the Isle of Wight County Schools’ division Teacher of the Year, the Windsor High School’s Teacher of the Year and the division’s High School Teacher of the Year.
Graham exemplifies the Aggie Core Value of selfless service by consistently prioritizing the academic and personal development of his students. Through his commitment, he is leaving an enduring mark on their academic journeys.
"Mr. Graham has that unique ability to look at the broader view and selflessly offers himself to every aspect, whether it is taking on a student for an extra course that he was not assigned or holding the chains on a Friday night for the football game," said Dawn Carroll, principal of WHS.
Carroll commends Graham's dedication, emphasizing that whether it is going above and beyond in helping a student or bussing athletes to games, Graham's impact at WHS has routinely extended beyond the classroom.
From West Point to Windsor High
Graham, a West Point graduate who transitioned to education after serving as an aviator and military analyst in the U.S. Army, is passionate about teaching future generations. Despite his relatively short tenure at Windsor, Graham has over 10 years of teaching experience, guiding students toward self-sufficiency and academic excellence.
Reflecting on his teaching philosophy and his own experiences, Graham advises students to keep their options open and embrace change. He recalls mentoring students who have achieved remarkable success.
"I have had students that have done some amazing things," Graham said. "I taught a young lady who was on a full-ride to Maryland and got her bachelor's degree. She is now at Stanford with a Hennessy scholarship to get her Ph.D."
Graham has witnessed students who rise above hardships to stand as testaments to hard work and academic achievement. With a passion to help, Graham encourages students to find what is intriguing to them.
"The young man who was a first-generation American, he is now in pre-med school," Graham said. "He will become a doctor."
These narratives showcase the enduring impact that Graham leaves, sculpting not only the academic but also the professional trajectories of his students with a profound and lasting influence.
Mr. Graham has that unique ability to look at the broader view and selflessly offers himself to every aspect, whether it is taking on a student for an extra course that he was not assigned or holding the chains on a Friday night for the football game.
Looking back on his graduate studies in Aggieland, Graham emphasizes the influence of industrial and systems engineering professor, Dr. Don Philips.
"Working with Phillips, I was exposed to so much, just by hearing him talk and witnessing his work," Graham said.
Graham wants to do the same for his students by encouraging them to discover their passions, pursue academic achievements and become beacons of positive change. He hopes his story inspires others.
"Keep your options open until you truly know what you want," Graham said.
Graham acts as a change-maker and motivator for students. Whether serving others in the classroom or ensuring a safe arrival for student athletes, Graham is there to instill hope.
"I often have students say that he is their favorite teacher," Carroll said.