Page 5 - The EDGE Spring 2022

BRIAN LOCKWOOD two short years. I can honestly say that we have
What is your fondest memory of being an
“AASBO Kid”?
Being an AASBO Kid was the best! I honestly felt
like a famous person’s kid. Going to the events
and resorts was like a 5-star vacation. I always
remember looking forward to the trips because my
Dad was going to meetings and sessions, and I was
able to chill by the pool with my Mom and sister
and live the best life. This is also when I developed
a liking for non-alcoholic strawberry daiquiris.
Let’s just say I racked up a few room bills thinking
I was on cloud nine ordering daiquiris poolside.
Pretty cool opportunity for a 9-year-old AASBO
Kid. The one thing I do remember is how envious
and proud I was of my dad. It was inspiring to
see him in that arena and be the person he was. I
remember going to the booths and meeting all the
people with him. He was proud to introduce me
and allow me to meet all his working friends and
colleagues. I, of course, was worried about what
they had for free at the booths, but it was also very
nice to see the relationships and kind people at
these events.
What is your current role and what are you most
proud of?
Currently, I am the proud Principal at V.H
Lassen: Academy of Science and Nutrition in
the Roosevelt School District in South Phoenix.
I am honestly so humbled to be in this position
and leading this school. I joined this community
a couple of years ago and inherited the beginning
stages of the implementation and initiation of a
signature school. Immediately as you walk onto
our campus you get the feeling you have entered a
special place. V. H Lassen is so unique and has so
many opportunities for students to succeed at high
levels and at the same time learn and develop skills
that will encourage them to continue learning into
high school and beyond. I am so proud of how far
we have come with our signature school in just
made ourselves stand out and be a flagship school
for all future signature schools in the district.
Our emphasis on gardening, outdoor learning
and nutrition allows us to take learning beyond
the four walls of the classroom and give students
the opportunity to get their hands dirty, learn
outdoors, help their community and grow food to
battle the ever-challenging food insecurity issues
in our community. I am excited and hopeful to see
our academic and collaborative success soar as
we continue to move mountains here at Lassen.
How did AASBO and/or your Dad influence your
interest in your profession?
AASBO has always been a part of my personal and
professional life. I can honestly say that going to
the events and dinners as a kid allowed me to see
what good people do and how they are successful
by working hard and staying focused. My Dad
has always been my inspiration and guiding light
when it comes to my educational focus and career
aspirations. I joke that I grew up in diapers in the
district office setting. My Dad served the Apache
Junction Unified School District as the Associate
Superintendent and CFO for 26 years. That,
combined with his involvement with AASBO,
gave me the motivation and inspiration to be in
education myself. I have never stopped wanting to
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