Ernest K. Scales, the son of Astor and Mabel Scales, was born on August 30, 1952 in Houston, Texas. Ernest became a member of the Kashmere Garden Community, at age three, when his parents moved into the area. Ernest began his education at Emmett J. Scott Elementary. During his time at Kashmere Garden Junior and Senior High Schools, Ernest participated in several sports (football, basketball and track), where his talent was honed by the excellent coaching of Melvin Jones, Webster Williams and Koy Limbrick. At Kashmere High, he excelled as a two year Varsity Letterman and starter under the late Coach Weldon Drew. After graduating Kashmere in 1971, Ernest received a full basketball scholarship to Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. He later transferred to Texas Southern University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Political Science.

Ernest began his career teaching and coaching at Kirby Middle School in the North Forest Independent School District. He taught and coached there for 4 years, winning championships 3 out of the 4 years in both basketball and football. Ernest transferred to Houston ISD (HISD) where he taught and coached for 33 years. His tenure with HISD included teaching US History, US Government, along with coaching basketball and football.  He was an inspiring figure to his students and student athletes as he stressed the importance of academics in addition to sportsman-like conduct.  Ernest started teaching within HISD at Sharpstown High and Madison High. The last 25 years of his career were spent at Westbury High School, where he led the team to win many district championships in basketball.

In 1985, as an Assistant Coach under Coach Paul Benton, Ernest helped lead Madison High to a 40-0 record-winning State Championship! He has received Coach’s Honors, and become a member of the Greater Houston Area Coaches Association, the Texas High School Coaches Association and the Prairie View Interscholastic League. After 37 years of dedicated service in HISD, Ernest retired. Now, he enjoys going to Texans football games, traveling the world and fellowshipping at Brentwood Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Joe Ratliff. Ernest thanks God for allowing him the opportunity to share his experience and knowledge as a teacher, mentor and a coach for young students and athletes.