Michelle Heck is the Principal of Choctawhatchee High School, where no two days look the same. A former ‘Air Force brat’ who eventually settled in Okaloosa County in 1996, she starts her mornings before sunrise. She starts by emptying the dishwasher, feeding the pets, and catching up on emails over coffee with her husband, Brian.

• Her days are filled with hallway check-ins, radio calls, and student success stories, all driven by her belief that relationships come first.

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

I was an Air Force brat – born overseas and have lived coast to coast across the U.S. Upon heading to college in Virginia, my dad received orders to Hurlburt Field, which relocated my dad, mom, and sister. Soon after graduating college in 1996, I headed down here to Okaloosa County and have called it home since.

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

I am the proud Principal of Choctawhatchee High School.

What’s your morning routine?

Alarm goes off at 4:30am – empty the dishwasher, feed the dog and cat, check emails, and talk about the day ahead with my husband Brian over a cup of coffee.

Describe what a typical workday looks like for you.

There is absolutely no typical day for a school administrator. I always have a calendar and a plan for what is scheduled and what needs to get done, but I have to live in the gray and be flexible when it comes to running a school. The priority is always school safety, the well-being of students and staff, and student learning… however, each day is all about prioritizing how we go about ensuring those three things are taken care of.

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

Check my calendar for the day, grab my radio, ID, and keys, and get into the hallway to welcome students, teachers, and staff members to school! It’s one of the best parts of my day — checking on how kids are from the night before, seeing if they ate breakfast yet, congratulating them on the game the night before, or even asking how their after-school job is going!

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

My phone or iPad — email, classroom visit notes, and quick access for social media updates.

Apple or Android?

Apple.

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

I prefer coffee that I make at the house and bring with me (2 Splendas + plenty of creamer), however, I do love a 7 Brew Blondie from time to time!

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

As a principal, I don’t have time to go out to lunch — I’m juggling lunch duty alongside my colleagues. I bring my lunch box every day without fail — either a salad or a snack box filled with fruit, turkey, crackers, almonds, and cheese. I’m a creature of habit!

What’s one local business you love supporting?

Salty Scents Candle, Small Batches, and Get The Coast.

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

The best piece of career advice I’ve received as an educator was to put relationships first. Students, colleagues, and families respond more positively when they feel seen, heard, and valued. Academic growth, classroom management, and professional success flow naturally from genuine human connection. Essentially, make sure people know you care.

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

I would tell my 20-year-old self to stop rushing and trust the process. The path won’t be straight, and that’s okay — every experience will prepare you for the impact you’re meant to have. The other thing I would tell myself is to embrace challenges early — they are the training ground for leadership. Don’t shy away from hard moments; they build resilience and credibility.

How do you unwind after a long day?

Simple — surround myself with my family.

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

I had brain surgery in my mid-20s. I was diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation, where neurosurgeons corrected a structural defect in the base of my brainstem.

What’s your favorite local event or tradition?

I love the small-town things we have here — the Fort Walton Beach Christmas Parade, summer concerts on the Landing, and fireworks weekly in the summer over the Harbor.

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

I have a few folks in my building who inspire me — kids who are resilient despite the environment they are growing up in; staff members who are taking care of loved ones at all costs; student leaders who are wise beyond their years and are going to make a difference in our world when they get out there after graduation.

Early bird or night owl?

Early bird — I’m in bed by 9pm.

Most used emoji?

💚

Music while working — yes or no?

After dismissal in my office I put on music — always Country!

Favorite motivational quote?

“High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation.” – Charles F. Kettering

Standing desk or sitting? Mix?

Sitting — but I’m out of my office more than I’m in it. Classrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, and the gym are where I work the most!

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

As cliché as this sounds, I would tell someone that it will be one of the most impactful things they ever do in their life. Teaching is really hard — even harder today than it was 28 years ago when I first started. But kids need really good people in their lives and in their corner every day who will challenge them, stretch them, care for them, and hold them capable for who they can become in the future.

Anything we missed that you want to add?

I sure am blessed and so fortunate I get to do what I do every day.