Where are they now?: Scott Munson (Class of 1980)
Q: Current occupation
A: Retired teacher, Youth Pastor at Calvary Chapel Julian
Q: What post high school education did you pursue?
A: Bachelors of History and teaching credential from San Diego State University
Q: Describe your career path and current occupation
A: After graduating from SDSU, but before I had a teaching credential, I was able to land my dream job as a teacher at Julian High School.This is something I had dreamt about since I was in Mrs. Tellam’s 5th grade class. I got my foot in the door at Julian High School by coaching football while attending college. Football was a passion and hobby that I have had since I was a kid. I spent many of my happiest hours working with the young men at JHS, teaching them about both football and life.
Q: What JHS experience(s) helped prepare you for your future career?
A: While at JHS three teachers showed me the importance of education as well as mentorship. First, Mr. Sick, who showed me that high standards might be disliked by students short term, but they teach students skills which are important outside of the classroom. Second, Mrs Rhodes, my English teacher, taught me that teaching goes beyond the course and goes into helping people become the best version of themselves. Finally, Mr. Helmantoller showed me that as a teacher you can affect students' lives by showing them information beyond what the state expectations are.
Q: Do you have a favorite high school memory you would like to share?
A: My favorite memory from high school was getting an unexpected kiss, during a snow storm, from my soon to be girlfriend, as she got on the bus. Six years later, this love of my life, Sara Alcantara Salazar, became my wife, and has stood by me the last 42 years.
Q: How did attending JHS help form the person you are today?
A: JHS showed me that every person is important, not just the most powerful or popular. Whether it was in the classroom or on sports teams, every person had their place and every person was necessary for success. I have tried to stand up for what I believe in and defend those under my charge. It wasn’t until I had left Julian High that I realized how much others had done to protect and form me. Continuing to live in Julian and being employed at JUHS gave me the opportunities to try and help students in positive ways like those who had been involved in my life as a student.
Q: What are you most proud of achieving since leaving JHS?
A: Being able to come back as a graduate and being able to help 1500 students become the best version of themselves. I feel as though I have made a difference, watching my students achieve greatness in many fields. For some reason many of my football players went into the culinary field. They have been wildly successful. (ever eaten a Julian pie? Look for my players in leadership roles.) Of course most students lived normal, productive lives, but many have excelled in the military. Most served as enlisted but I also have military pilots: Woody Haynes, Roy Wylie, Sean McCarty, Hannah Elliot, PJ Davis Scholl and this year Jessica Bakken will graduate from the USNA as a Marine Pilot. Nate Myers also attended USNA and served as a Marine artillery officer. So what am I proud of, what JUHS produced while I was a member of the staff, the finest young people in the USA!!!
Q: What were you passionate about in high school?
A: My girlfriend, history and sports.
Q: What are you passionate about now?
A: Jesus Christ, my personal savior and my family (Sara, Adriana, Joseph, daughter-in-law Sylvia, and the apple of my eye, grandson Joseph). Every member of my family has graduated from Julian High School, with the exception of my grandson, but hopefully he will be in the class of 2041.
Q: What obstacle(s) have you faced that have helped mold you into the person you are today?
A: The biggest obstacle I had to overcome was losing the people I looked up to and respected who were WWI, WWII, Korean and Vietnam war vets and realizing I need to step up and try to become a leader like these people were in my life. I have not succeeded, but I still have time.
Q: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your high school self?
A: In school, listen to your teachers and figure out how to actually learn rather than just passing classes. In life, get closer to GOD as a young person and have him be the major priority.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A: I see myself in Julian with Sara, spending time with grandkids. I’d like to continue to be involved in the lives of the high schoolers; both as a youth pastor and helping with the football team.
