After graduating from the University of Missouri with an Engineering degree, I started my career in Education at Fort Bend ISD.  My first teaching assignment was at Hightower High School, where I taught Mathematics and coached football and track.  I then transitioned to my Alma Mater, Kempner High School, where I taught all levels of math and became the Head Track and Field coach. In 2006, I was given the opportunity to help open a new campus, William B. Travis High School in FBISD. During my time at Travis, I served as a Math teacher and Defensive Coordinator for the Varsity Football Program, while also receiving my Masters in Education Administration from the University of Houston-Victoria. 

In 2011, I started my journey as a Campus Administrator when I became an Assistant Principal at Willowridge High School. In 2012, I transitioned to Stafford MSD, where I served as an Assistant Principal and Associate Principal before being named the Principal of Stafford Middle School in 2015. In 2017, I returned to FBISD as the Principal of Christa Mcauliffe Middle School. One of my goals has always been to be a high school Principal. I am excited about my return to Hightower High School, and I look forward to working with the staff to help make sure all students become College and Career Ready.

Wade Kirkpatrick was born in Houston, Texas and is a lifelong resident of the Sugar Land area. Mr. Kirkpatrick attended elementary, middle and high school in Fort Bend ISD and is a member of the first graduating class of Kempner High School. Mr. Kirkpatrick is a former Fort Bend ISD Secondary Rookie of the Year and former Campus Teacher of the Year.

He is proud to have been a member of the Fort Bend ISD Aspiring Assistant Principal’s LEAD Academy. In his spare time, Mr. Kirkpatrick enjoys spending time with his family, assisting with the youth leadership task force at his church and teaching karate classes. 

It is a pleasure to join the staff of Hightower High School. I am so excited about this school year.  The possibilities for success go beyond what the students can imagine.  In fact, student ownership of learning is a cornerstone in Fort Bend ISD, that is supported by Hightower High School.

While students do come first in our industry, teachers are vital to their growth and maturity.  I love to support the efforts of our teachers.  I will never forget the joys and trials of the classroom experience, which began in 1995.

I joined Fort Bend ISD in 2007, and have served as a Campus Improvement Specialist (Ridgemont Elementary), Campus Assessment Coordinator (Bush High School), and Dean of Instruction (Bush High School and Progressive High School).  This is a great district!  As it continues to grow, it also seeks to bring excellence to its community by hiring great people and providing excellent student services.  That is our goal at Hightower High School. 

Students deserve our very best, and I am here to assist in creating an environment in which they can thrive.

Welcome to HHS, we are glad to have you on board!

I am a native New Orleanian, and have been in the field of education for 26 years. STEM and technology education have been my passion. I firmly believe that we have a responsibility to give back to which we have come from. Every child can learn, and it is our duty to foster those relationships to help make each and every student successful. I am excited to “Be the Storm.”

Prior to joining Fort Bend ISD, I worked in Wharton ISD and Houston ISD in Texas and Mesa Unified School in Mesa AZ, both as an administrator and teacher.  I have been an adjunct Professor for Houston Community College for 20 years.  I am a proud veteran of the United States Air Force where I served as a meteorologist for 13 years.

Mr. Erick Powers is grateful to serve as Assistant Principal in the district where he was raised.  He is a proud FBISD alumni who attended Ridgemont Elementary, Christa McAuliffe Middle School, and Willowridge High School.

For nearly two decades, Mr. Powers has devoted his service to the families and students of Fort Bend ISD in several capacities, including as a Restorative Discipline Coach, Special Education teacher, and district-level Special Education administrator specializing in students with behavioral challenges before becoming an Assistant Principal. He is also a Master level trainer in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention having trained over 1500 participants over his career.

I am a proud graduate of Hightower High School, and I am excited to serve our wonderful students.