LHS Principal Scott Brekke retires but remains a Prowler

He’s been a Prowler and will always be a Prowler because “it’s in my heart,” said Scott Brekke.

Brekke is looking forward to the places he can go, and things he can do with his wife, Joyce, and their family as he sets his sights on retirement.

Effective Dec. 31, Brekke will leave the duties of principal into the capable hands of Kayla Lian, and a staff, which now includes Katie Hahn as interim dean of students. “It’s a great opportunity for Kayla and Katie and I’m confident they’ll do a good job,” said Brekke.

Gratitude, appreciation and even amazement are some of the thoughts Brekke expressed as he reflected on his 36 years in education.

His career in education began in Strandquist. In 1988, Brekke was hired to teach a combined class of first and second graders. He had a total of seven students. It was a great opportunity and he said he met a lot of great people, many of whom joined him in Thief River Falls after the school closed. Some of those people included Marcy Helling, Mark and Sue Lee, Regina Olson, and Larry Langevin.

Brekke’s next step was to teach physical education at Mark Twain, Washington, and Knox elementary schools. He was also offered the head boys basketball coaching position, a golf coaching position, and was an assistant football coach.

“I have always loved coaching,” said Brekke.

After teaching physical education, he became a second grade teacher, and then a third grade teacher. He spent a total of 12 years in elementary education.

“Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be at a high school,” said Brekke.

“You just never know where opportunity will show up, but you had better put yourself in a position to take advantage of it,” said Brekke.

Brekke was in that position when Jerry Robicheau became the superintendent of the District. At the time, Robicheau put together a cohort of educators to work through an administrative education degree together.

It was a rich experience.

It also put him in a position to become the associate principal under Tom Hunt. He then became the associate principal under Shane Zutz.

“I learned a lot from Tom, and from Shane,” said Brekke.

In 2017, Brekke became the principal of Lincoln High School.

There have been a lot of changes over the years. “Just think of all the changes in technology,” said Brekke.

When he began at Strandquist, Brekke said the only technology they had was a telephone. Now, Brekke said, people can’t live without their smart phone. That changed a lot of things. For example, Brekke said, students who were being bullied used to be able to get away from it when they went home. Now the bullying can continue 24 hours a day. Brekke also believes this technology has created some mental health problems for students.

“COVID was an interesting time,” said Brekke. He thought only because of a great effort by teachers and staff were they able to get through it. “It wore a lot of good people out, though.”

It wasn’t good for kids, teachers or families, either, Brekke added.

Brekke said he feels they are just breaking free of the effects of the COVID experience. “It feels more normal.”

The other big change Brekke sees having taken place during his 36 years of education is the role of educators. School is not just a school any more. Educators have to worry about kids getting meals, having a roof over their heads, and must promote and teach safety and good behavior.

When he became principal of Lincoln High School he set out to change the culture at the school. One way he did this is by ending every morning announcement with … “and remember, we love you.”

It’s unfortunate, said Brekke, that so many kids today don’t hear that.

Brekke isn’t tired of being an educator. It’s a role he has relished, and he loves the kids but the time is right. He said he has put education and his responsibilities first, and his wife sacrificed a lot for him. Now, it feels like it’s time to travel, and put their future together first. “We don’t know what the future will bring.”

Brekke and his wife built a home in Grand Forks, N.D. This will put them closer to one of their daughters and her family, as well as other members of Brekke’s family. They also have a daughter in Plymouth who is expecting a child. And, retiring now, allows Brekke to spend more time with his parents who still live in Warren.

But Brekke said, he’ll never be gone, not really. He’s a phone call away, and has always been, and will always be a Prowler at heart.

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