Despite its relatively young age, Sage Creek High School has already undergone its third change of school administrator. On July 20, 2023, Dr. Josh Way, the former principal of Marshall Middle School in San Diego, was announced as SCHS’ new principal. Though this title is a large duty to fulfill, Way is both committed and excited for this upcoming school year.

In the past, Way’s passions leaned toward subjects like history, culture and politics, which eventually led him to the role of educator. Yet, through numerous trials and tribulations serving as a teacher, coach and activities director, he ultimately decided that becoming a school principal was what best suited him.

“Each step in my career was because I felt compelled to expand the size and scope of students that I could serve and help,” Way said. “What I love about being a principal is that I get to be a part of both students and staff members fulfilling their greatest potential.”

From his prior experiences in the education field across schools in San Diego county to being the oldest of four children and a father, Way has faced his fair share of leadership tasks. In addition, he relentlessly pursued lifelong ambitions, notably realizing his dream of becoming an Aztec at San Diego State University, where he earned his Education Doctorate in 2019.

Even while still achieving greatness on his own, Way primarily attributes his successes to his mother and the many other strong women who have impacted him along the road. By educating him on the “virtues of hard work, compassion, and courage,” he has taken that knowledge and embraced it throughout his career. To this day, Way continues to gain influences that will aid him on his path.

Jesse Schuvieller, the former principal of SCHS, has high hopes for what Way will accomplish as the school’s new principal.

“I have known Mr. Way for about twenty years as we were both teachers at Fallbrook High School many, many years ago,” Schuvieller said. “Mr. Way has always struck me as sincere, genuine, kind, compassionate and student-centered — someone that believes in the importance of relationships. I believe that Mr. Way will add great value with his instructional leadership of teaching staff as well as be an advocate for student voice and underrepresented populations on campus.”

One of the largest transformations that comes with new school management is the change that administrators bring along with them. At the moment, Way’s vision for the upcoming school year involves “listening, asking questions, and learning about the culture and structures that are currently in place.” He also believes that long-standing change can be achieved through the collective efforts of students, staff members and the rest of the Sage Creek community.

Aside from the numerous tasks he takes part in whilst school is in session, Way also considers himself a “jack-of-all-trades” within his home life. Accompanied by his two children, Way dedicates many of his leisure hours towards activities that range from mountain biking, hiking and skateboarding to reading, writing and reflecting on life. Oftentimes, people’s home lives will reflect on their work lives – which is something Way can leverage to his advantage and possibly shift the school into a more diverse environment.

The words of poet Tuli Kupferberg, “When patterns are broken, new worlds emerge,” resonate as a metaphor for how, as principal, Way can transition away from the many yet unrecognized deficiencies that the school possesses. Looking ahead, SCHS has plenty of time to find its path, and the future seems bright with Dr. Josh Way leading the way.

“I am most excited about meeting every single student on campus,” Way stated. “Sage Creek has such a strong reputation across the county, I can’t wait to meet all of the students and staff that make it what it is. That and Hoopcoming. I’ve heard so many great things about Hoopcoming, I can’t wait to experience it first-hand.”