Huntington Highlights: Social Worker Dennis Scruggs Connects with Finley Students

In only his first year as a social worker at J. Taylor Finley Middle School, Dennis Scruggs is making a difference with more than 500 seventh and eighth graders in the building. He has quickly become an essential member of the student support team that is completely dedicated to the kids they work with on any given day.

A graduate of Bellport High School, Mr. Scruggs earned an Associate of Arts degree at Central Arizona College and a Bachelor of Science degree at Baylor University, where he was an award winning NCAA Division I track and field athlete. He went on to obtain a Master of Social Work degree at Stony Brook University.

“When I was in high school, I always saw myself becoming a teacher,” Mr. Scruggs said. “But at the time, I chose finance because I was focused on making money rather than following what truly mattered to me. As I grew up, I realized that fulfillment doesn’t come from income alone. That realization led me to make a career change and follow my purpose; working in a school and supporting students in a meaningful way.”

Before transitioning into social work, Mr. Scruggs worked as a financial advisor at Edward Jones Investments for seven years, managing his own office and developing leadership and networking skills. “Living in Victoria, Canada for seven years broadened my perspective on education, inclusion and community support,” he said. “I strongly believe that students engaged in extracurricular activities thrive academically and socially. As a former collegiate track athlete at Baylor University, I want to leverage my background to coach and encourage students to participate in sports, building confidence, discipline and a sense of belonging.”

Mr. Scruggs has worked at DASH Family Service League, Montfort Therapeutic Residence and Hope House Ministries.

“While he is new to Finley, however he has been an instrumental piece in supporting and guiding our students who have struggled with making right decisions,” Assistant Principal Alexis Estrada said. “He’s very receptive to feedback and he makes himself available to all students daily, He is very visible throughout the building, making building relationships seamless.”

In addition to his full time position at Finley, Mr. Scruggs coaches JV football and varsity winter and spring girls’ track and field.

“I’m a big Dallas Cowboys fan, so I spend my Sundays watching the games,” Mr. Scruggs said. “I also enjoy finding new hikes and going for runs, usually with music to clear my head. Right now, I’m working my way back into road racing and getting back into that rhythm.”

Mr. Scruggs served as the head coach of the varsity winter girls’ track team and is the assistant coach this spring. He has quickly built up the track team over the past year.

“So far, Huntington UFSD has been the perfect match for me,” Mr. Scruggs said. “I’m really grateful to have an incredible mentor in Kathryn Costa and I’m also lucky to have Ronald Wilson, who has helped me grow as a coach. I’m working in a middle school led by Traci Roethel, who has been everything you could ask for in a principal. The entire building has been welcoming and supportive from day one.”

As he goes about his responsibilities, Mr. Scruggs is increasingly connecting with Finley students. He recently recruited 57 seventh and eighth graders to the middle school girls’ track team.

“Though new to Finley, he has quickly become an instrumental presence, offering steady guidance and unwavering support to students as they learn to make positive choices,” Mrs. Roethel said.

The J. Taylor Finley Middle School faculty member is the thirteenth teacher or staff member to be profiled as part of a new “Huntington Highlights” initiative that provides community members with insight into teachers and support staff members who toil at the district’s eight individual school buildings.

“I was also fortunate enough to land a coaching position, and now I get to live out something I’ve always wanted—helping student-athletes grow and prepare for the next phase of their lives as they head toward college,” Mr. Scruggs said. “It’s only been one year, but I can honestly say I’m really enjoying being part of the Huntington school district and this community.”