Lindsey Smith, Principal at Fort Walton Beach High School, knows what it means to start early and finish strong. A military child who found her home at Eglin Air Force Base in 1995, she now leads the Vikings through everything from sunrise arrivals to Friday night lights. Her days are unpredictable, her schedule demanding, but her commitment to students and staff never wavers.

• We caught up with Principal Smith to learn how she balances 4:30 AM wake-up calls, mobile leadership with an iPad in hand, and the occasional midnight finish –all while keeping the Viking spirit alive.

Are you life-long local, if not, where are you from originally and how did you end up in the area?

I am a military child born in Del Rio, Texas. I moved every year until my family settled at Eglin AFB in 1995.

What’s your current job title and where do you work?

Principal, Fort Walton Beach High School

What’s your morning routine?

My husband and I are early risers, usually with a 4:30 alarm. I get ready for the day, pack lunches, fix breakfasts, and get the kids up by 5:30. I head into work by 6:00.

Describe what a typical workday looks like for you.

There is not a typical workday at the Fort. The doors are opened at 6:30, the first bell is at 7:00, and the kids leave the building by 2:00. What happens in between is always different but always includes supporting the Vikings both students and staff. It is one of the reasons that I like a job in education so much!

What’s the first thing you do when you get to work (or start your workday)?

I always try to check my email first thing. I also review my Outlook calendar for the day.

What tools, apps, or gadgets can’t you live without?

At work: my phone and iPad. I am out and about in the building most of the time, so I need to be mobile.

In my free time: my Kindle. I love being able to use technology to access books, but hate the Kindle app because I can still get calls and emails to the device I am using it on. When I disconnect, I like to really disconnect.

Apple or Android?

Apple.

What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?

Vanilla Latte with skim milk, hot

What’s your go-to lunch spot or work snack?

My go-to lunch spot is at the entrance to the FWBHS cafeteria. My go-to anytime snack is gummy bears.

What’s one local business you love supporting?

Our family’s favorite weekend brunch spot is The Boardroom in Downtown Fort Walton Beach. Delicious food, great service, opens early, and two times a month is in walking distance to the Fort Walton Beach Farmer’s Market.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

“Slow down.” By nature, I want to jump in and fix problems as soon as they arise. Though sometimes swift is necessary, I learned in my career that taking the time to be thoughtful, know where you stand, and plan a course of action is almost always the right choice.

If you could give your 20-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be?

Be picky about whose criticism, and advice, you take to heart.

How do you unwind after a long day?

A LONG day for me can end as late as midnight depending on what events are happening at the school. In those cases, a hot shower and comfy pajamas are key. At the end of a typical long day, however, I like to cook dinner, eat with my family, and either play cards or watch a movie together. And read. I really like to read. Our kids are rec. league age, so practices and games are mixed in there as well. I love cheering them on!

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I HATE speaking in front of large groups. Especially of people who I don’t know. And especially on a microphone. I have to do that quite a lot, and it doesn’t seem to get easier.

What’s your favorite local event or tradition?

I’m probably partial, but I really do love rivalry week when the Vikings play the Indians in the fall. I love a good spirit week and the excitement is contagious.

What’s inspiring you right now (book, podcast, person, hobby)?

I re-read “The Energy Bus” by Jon Gordon this summer, and am allowing it to inspire my outlook professionally and personally.

Early bird or night owl?

Early Bird

Most used emoji?

😂 🤦‍♀️

Music while working — yes or no?

Not usually

Favorite motivational quote?

“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Standing desk or sitting? Mix?

A mobile cart that I push around campus.

If you could give any advice for someone getting into the same field as you, what advice would you give?

For those headed into education in general: Make sure to take care of yourself. This job can be emotionally and physically taxing, but can also be extremely rewarding. Make sure to make time for yourself, time with those you love, and time to do things you love to do.

For those entering educational leadership: This is a human business. Care for those in your charge. Roll your sleeves up and serve alongside them.

Anything we missed that you want to add?

GO VIKINGS!