![Scott in high school, recent photo of Scott on drums, and 1980 (year he graduated)]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782390591/fvlhsorg/ajrarteh4ex0mizmlgcg/metko-800x513.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1782390591/fvlhsorg/ajrarteh4ex0mizmlgcg/metko-800x513.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782390591/fvlhsorg/ajrarteh4ex0mizmlgcg/metko-800x513.jpg","width":800}])
From the halls of FVL to a lifelong career in music, Class of 1980 graduate Scott Metko has built on the foundation of faith, education, and mentorship that shaped his high school years. Scott reflects on the teachers who influenced him most, the moment that changed the course of his life, and the lessons that continue to guide him today.
Scott Metko - Fox Tales Q&A
What is your most memorable high school experience?
When Paul Wendland pulled me out of German class in the fall of my senior year and told me I was one of two kids to represent Wisconsin in the McDonald’s All-American High School Band. Mr. Wendland literally changed the trajectory of my life when he nominated me, in the spring of my junior year. We discussed it here.
Who has had the greatest influence on your time at FVL?
A tie between Paul Wendland and Thomas Ziebell.
What are you doing now professionally and how did you get into this career path?
I have remained in the music business. My father, Dick Metko, was a professional musician, recording for RCA Victor in the 1940’s -1950’s and Decca Records in the 1960’s. He gave me the inspiration and the vocational opportunity to get a head start. Once I met Mr. Wendland, he gave me the academic side that ultimately prepared me for the successful career I have had.
What was your first job?
Mowing lawns, shoveling sidewalks, up and down the streets of Menasha!
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I should have a witty answer for that common question, but I do not. I can barely swim perhaps?
What is something valuable you learned during your career?
Patience and persistence increases your chances for success in just about anything you try.
What’s one lesson from your high school years that still sticks with you?
Aside from music, I loved history and religion classes the most, and I made sure I took at least one of those two subjects every semester I was at FVL, all taught by Mr. Ziebell. He said, “We learn from the past to prepare us for the future.”
Anything else you would like to share with the FVL community?
Very fortunate for my time there. Very fond memories as I was fundamentally prepared for the future.
