New JROTC teacher Capt. Kip Briggs has only lived in Texas a few months and only been on campus a couple of months, and he is already doing all he can to help students grow into responsible citizens.

Jagwire: How long have you been teaching?

Kip Briggs: I’ve been teaching for seven years.

J:Where did you teach before coming to Summit, or what were you doing prior to coming to Summit?

KP: I was the Senior Army Instructor (SAI) in Madras, Oregon, at Madras High School for four years.

J:What specific classes do you teach?

KP: I teach all four levels of JROTC, which is essentially a citizenship course with a heavy focus on leadership, community service and physical fitness. Most importantly, people need to understand that JROTC is NOT a gateway into the Army nor is it used as a recruitment tool for any branch of service. We use Army structure to facilitate the curriculum and nothing more.

J: What made you want to work at Summit High School? 

KP: Summit High School has a strong reputation of high standards and care for its student population. I not only wanted to be a part of that but I want to help elevate that reputation.

J:What made you want to be a teacher? 

KP:Teaching comes second nature to me. Following my retirement from active duty and having a strong desire to continue to serve my fellow citizens, JROTC was a natural transition. Bottom line, I want to live a life of purpose and leave a legacy of service for my family to be proud of.

J:If you weren’t a teacher, what would you do? 

KP:I would be a full time football or track & field coach!

J:When you’re not teaching, what keeps you busy?

KP: Reading/listening to books and spending time with family and friends.

J:What hobbies do you enjoy?

KP: Playing guitar, playing Madden and playing fantasy football.

J:Tell me about the best vacation you’ve ever taken?

KP: I have been all over the world but by far enjoyed living on the North Shore of Oahu.

J: Do you have any fears about teaching, and if so, what are they? 

KP: My greatest fear is that I fail my students in any way, shape or form.

J: What do you like best about your students? 

KP: I love the fact that we have so many students who are very eager to learn!