An interview with Horace Scruggs

How long have you lived in Fluvanna? What brought you here?
My wife, Theresa, and I got married in ‘85 out of college. Both of us went to Longwood. After college, we lived in Charlottesville for a short time, but then moved back to Fluvanna.
Tell me about your work.
As Fluvanna County High School’s choir director, I teach music to kids – but it’s so much beyond just teaching it. Take the productions, for example. I produce the shows, choose the music, and act as talent scout. My school schedule is filled with three levels of choir, and next year we’re adding a fourth, plus piano and guitar classes, and music technology. I also conduct the Fluvanna Community Singers, which perform twice a year.
Tell me about your family.
Theresa and I met in college and married in ‘85. She has the same music degree I do, but is now teaching 6th grade language arts. Our older daughter, Hannah, is about to graduate from William & Mary. Then she’s doing AmeriCorps. Our younger daughter, Sarah, is finishing up her junior year here at FCHS.
Tell me about a hobby you have.
I do lots of outdoors stuff: cycling, hiking, canoeing. I think a lot of people would be surprised at how much there is to do outdoors in Central Virginia, or within a few hours’ drive. We live in a beautiful area and I like taking advantage of it.
Describe one of the highlights of your life.
Besides my family, of course, I’d have to say having a viable recording business. I started it up about 10 years ago, put an addition on my house, purchased the equipment, etc. The business does well and everything pays for itself. Anyone interested in recording with me can contact me at htscruggs@yahoo.com.
Describe one of the biggest surprises of your life.
Being hit by a car was definitely a surprise! I was on my bike, creeping through an intersection at about five or six miles per hour, when a car ran right into me. I injured my ear and shoulder.
This one’s not a surprise, but a nicety: I’m glad I’m still enjoying what I’m doing. Having different kids every year keeps it fresh.
Describe one of the tragedies/struggles of your life.
After a long illness, my father died eight years ago. It would be nice to have him here to see how his children, grands, and greats are doing.
Describe a dream you have for your future.
To retire at 55! But that ain’t gonna happen. I’ve been doing what I wanted to do since tenth grade. I’d like to keep learning, to constantly be challenged by what I can do. That’s my realistic dream.
Describe a fear you have for your future.
My only frustration with this job is school funding, but unfortunately for anyone working in the school system, it’s become a fear for our future. Hopefully this year will be better.
Here’s your chance to sound off.
If you could give one public service announcement/word of advice to the public at large, what would it be?
There are a lot of “plain and average” kids who are doing phenomenal stuff but they don’t get recognition. They’re getting good grades and going to good schools. We should recognize that on a greater scale. People will begin to appreciate those kids when we put less stock in the headline, when we appreciate all students equally rather than running to the next big thing. Not every kid is doing something newsworthy but many are doing great things nonetheless.