Francesca Scott is many things, a middle school teacher, a military spouse, a coach, an artist, and a dedicated volunteer. At Central Middle School, she has become a familiar and valued presence, not only in the classroom but also around campus, where her latest contribution, a hand-painted mural, is bringing color, pride, and a sense of belonging to the school community.

Francesca, a teacher at Central Middle School, volunteered her time to paint the mural, donating her skills while the school provided paint and supplies through donations. She does not consider herself a professional artist, but rather someone who paints as a hobby and a personal outlet. Over the years, she has painted murals and artwork on military bases and donated pieces to schools and organizations for raffles and fundraisers. This project marks her first mural in a school setting. “I don’t like to say no when I’m asked to help,” Francesca said. “I think, ‘If I don’t do it, then who will?”

Central Middle School Principal Nathan Freeman said Mrs. Scott’s willingness to step up made a lasting impression. “Francesca is a great asset to the team and a great person,” Freeman said. “She volunteered her time to help make this school better, and she didn’t hesitate when we asked. These murals not only make the place look better, but they also give the students and teachers a sense of belonging.”

Central Middle School, which reopened in 2024 as a middle school after previously serving as a high school, is now in its second year. Freeman said the school district does not provide funding for decorative projects like murals, making volunteer efforts and donations especially meaningful.

Francesca’s dedication to service is rooted in a life shaped by the military. She is the spouse of an active-duty Chief assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing and has been connected to the military community for most of her life. A former military brat herself, Francesca met her husband in Panama City, Florida, while he was stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base. The two have been together for nearly 23 years, including assignments in places like New Mexico and Alaska, where Scott became accustomed to long winters.

The family moved to North Dakota in July of last year, and Francesca says the transition has been a positive one. “I love it here in North Dakota,” she said. “The people are kind, and the summers are beautiful.”

Francesca has been an educator since 2005, though her career has included pauses and pivots. After having children, she took time away from public education and became a licensed mortgage broker in Florida, work she still does on nights, weekends, and summers. When her children were old enough to go to school, she did too, balancing teaching with entrepreneurship and family life.

Her commitment to education has not gone unnoticed. During a previous teaching assignment in Idaho, Francesca was named Idaho’s PTA Educator of the Year in 2012–2013, an honor she credits to her enthusiasm and willingness to volunteer.

In addition to teaching, Francesca coaches the boys basketball team at Central Middle School. She also plays soccer on Minot Air Force Base with a group of airmen of various ages who come together to stay active and connected. The informal group, coached by Captain Beaverman, plays year-round, indoors during the winter and outdoors when weather allows. “They love having somewhere to go, get out of their dorms, and just play,” Francesca said.

At home, Francesca stays just as busy. She and her husband have two children, ages 10 and 11. In her spare time, she enjoys creative pursuits like cake decorating, using airbrushing and homemade fondant to design cakes for special occasions, including military balls. She has also hosted paint and sips at previous bases to bring military spouses together.

Francesca already started her next mural at Central Middle School last weekend and even though she is unsure when it will be completed, what is certain is her commitment to giving back. “I truly enjoy volunteering my time,” she said.

For Central Middle School students and staff, Francesca’s efforts go far beyond paint on the walls. They reflect a spirit of service, creativity, and community, qualities that are helping shape the school’s identity, one mural at a time.