Before they were principals, they were students just like the ones they serve in our schools. To honor them for their leadership, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at what they looked like way back when and share some words of wisdom that they would tell their younger self. Their responses are being shared on the HPISD Facebook page and will be added to this story as they are released. Continue to follow us through the end of October to see what the rest of our principals share.
McCulloch Intermediate School Principal Dr. Skip Moran would tell his fifth-grade self, “Worry less and be more patient with yourself and with others.”
Bradfield Elementary Principal Regina Dumar would tell her kindergarten self, “Listen to your parents because they want what is best for you.”
Highland Park Middle School Principal Dr. Chris Miller would tell his eighth-grade self, “We grow as humans only when we push ourselves.”
Hyer Elementary Principal Debbie Burt would remind her kindergarten self that “It doesn’t matter if you’re first in line or the last in line, or even first or last in completing your work. What matters most is that you always try your best and are kind to others.”
Armstrong Elementary Principal Betsy Cummins would tell her kindergarten self to “Be kind, work hard, take chances, and to love everyone. What we learn in kindergarten truly establishes the foundation of a successful educational career!”
University Park Elementary Principal Candi Judd said she would tell herself to “Never give up on pursuing your dreams and be sincere in your actions. You can't go wrong if you stay true to yourself.”
Boone Elementary Principal Amanda Reyes said she would tell her younger self to “Set goals for yourself that challenge your perseverance and creativity and inspire those around you to be the best they can be!”
Highland Park High School Principal Jeremy Gilbert's advice is to cherish each and every day, or in his words, “I would tell myself to take time to enjoy the moment, such as letting the wind blow through my hair. Because one day, that may not be an option."
Click below to watch our Principal Appreciation video highlighting how our campus leaders go above and beyond to serve every student, every day.
HPISD invites you to join us this month in celebrating our eight amazing principals for their leadership, compassion, and grit!
Principals are entrusted with our most valuable resource – the children of our community. Through their shared visionary leadership and commitment to every student every day, Highland Park ISD principals are educational leaders, community builders, budget analysts and guardians of effectively managing our schools.
HPISD Principals are:
- Jeremy Gilbert, Highland Park High School
- Dr. Chris Miller, Highland Park Middle School
- Dr. Skip Moran, McCulloch Intermediate
- Betsy Cummins, Armstrong Elementary
- Regina Dumar, Bradfield Elementary
- Amanda Reyes, Boone Elementary
- Debbie Burt, Hyer Elementary
- Candi Judd, University Park Elementary