Scott Brooke, Flathead Valley Community College

Scott Brooke, a second-year student at Flathead Valley Community College, is using his leadership skills and experience as a U.S. veteran to make a difference. As president of the college’s Veterans’ Association, he has taken on that role to help other veterans as they make the tough transition back into civilian life by serving as a mentor, friend and advocate to all veterans on campus. Under his leadership, the Veterans’ Association has continued to grow in membership; new projects, such as the creation of a veterans’ memorial on campus and the establishment of a veterans endowed scholarship to help benefit-ineligible student veterans pay for college, are in development; and the college’s Veterans’ Center has outgrown its space due to its extensive usage. Using his experience and first-hand knowledge, Scott enjoys building relationships with other veterans and introducing them to new opportunities, all while guiding them along with the way to help them make the best decisions for themselves, their families and their futures. In addition, Scott, a nontraditional scholarship recipient, has taken initiative to share his own story with the community, inspiring other veterans to pursue higher education and motivating donors to continue giving to support students through scholarships.  
-Jane Karas, President

I believe strongly that the best leaders bring out leadership abilities in others. It is this belief that drives me in serving my college and local community. As a non-traditional student and veteran, I am particularly drawn to helping other veterans. I serve on Flathead Valley Community College’s Veteran’s Advisory Board and as president of the Student Veteran’s Association to help promote a welcoming and supportive environment for all vets on campus. During my time at Flathead Valley Community College, I have spearheaded efforts to raise money for an endowed scholarship for veterans and advocated for the creation of a veteran’s memorial on campus. In the college’s new Veteran’s Center, I am always available to mentor recently discharged servicemen and help with their transitions back into civilian life. I also tutor students in developmental math courses and serve as a Student Ambassador, all in an effort to help other students gain the skills and knowledge that will make them successful in school and in life. I know by serving as a leader, I can inspire others, and together, we can create a culture of service on campus and in our community that will make it a better place for everyone.
-Scott Brooke