This year we welcome a new head principal, Jennifer Young, to our proud Tiger staff. One of The Uproar‘s very own, Madeline Smith, had the opportunity to get an insight of our new leader.

Meet the Principal

Q: “What is your past experience with school administration?”
A: “Prior to coming to Mansfield High I worked at Arlington High for the past ten years. For four years I was an assistant principal and for six years I was the principal.”

Q: “What jobs have you had in the past?”
A: “Just like all other principals I started off in the classroom. I was a science teacher who taught pre-AP and AP biology, and I also taught anatomy and physiology. I assistant coached volleyball and track and I head coached basketball at Highland Park for 5 years.”

Q: “Where did you go to college?”
A: “I went to the University of North Texas to get my undergraduate degree in education with a biology minor. I received my masters in educational leadership at the University of Arlington and I am currently a student there.”

Q: “Why did you want to be a principal?”
A: “It’s kind of funny because I never thought I wanted to be a principal. But whenever I was a coach at Highland Park a superintendent there who I knew very well and who loved basketball and came to all the games asked me if I had ever thought about going into school administration or school leadership. I said no and she said you really need to consider it because you have a gift of leadership. I’ll never forget that conversation; I’d say that was the one thing that pushed me into going back to school and getting my degree in educational leadership.

Q: “What’s your favorite part of being a principal?”
A: “Ever since I started being a principal I love it; I think it’s a lot of fun. It’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had because I get to be involved in all the school activities not just basketball or teaching. I think probably my favorite part is being around the kids. I have so many amazing students that are so talented and so involved in community service and so passionate about what they do that they keep me young and they keep me excited. My favorite part is the relationship with the students and just seeing people be able to do great things not only in the classroom but on the theater stage or in a concert or on the football field.”

Q: “What kind of student were you in high school?”
A: “Sadly, I have to admit I was not a very good student. I actually hated high school which is kind of funny because I’m now a principal. Looking back I think the reason I hated it was because I was bored. I’d get all my work done quickly and so then I’d just sit there and go to sleep or just sit there and talk and get in trouble. So I wasn’t a great student but I still made A’s and B’s.”

Q: “What were you involved in in high school?”
A: “I was involved in athletics. I played basketball as my main sport. I was involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, and Key Club. But sadly I wasn’t a very dedicated student and I thought it was all great until I got to college and I didn’t know how to study.”

Q: “What do you like about MHS and what was your first impression of the school?”
A: “The thing that I like about it is that everyone seems happy to be here. The teachers and students are happy and I think there is a true family atmosphere. I can tell that there’s a sense of pride and community. The thing that I’ve noticed in my first three and a half days is that the students seem friendly and respectful. The thing I like about the teachers is that I can see that they have a true passion for what they do and that they really care about teaching and the students. One of the things that made me apply to MHS is the tradition of excellence whether it’s in academics, fine arts, or athletics. When you think about Mansfield High School you think about excellence. The students embody it and the teachers are proud of it.

Q: “What changes do you want to make to MHS?”
A: “I’ve had meetings and talked to students, STUCO kids, and Key Club students about changes. A lot of people have asked about having more pep rallies and spirit days. One thing that I want to change to Mansfield High is that when you walk the halls you don’t see a lot of student presence. The walls are kind of blank. What I want to do is create a more kid-friendly environment. I want kids to walk up and down the halls and see pictures of themselves and see their organizations represented. I want the school to be for the students and be less institutionalized. A lot of kids just say that they want to come to school and have fun and I think that’s important because we’ve got to realize that the reason we’re here and the reason we exist is for the students.”

Q: “Do you have any kids?”
A: “Yes. I have a daughter- one is enough. Her name is Shauna and she was recently married and lives in North Carolina. Any time we have long weekends or holidays we spend time together. I actually like her husband so that’s good.

Q: “What do you like to do in your free time?”
A: “In my free time I like to work out, do outdoor activities- it’s kind of weird but I like to mow my yard, I think it’s fun. I like to play golf. I spend a lot of time with my family with whom I’m very close with and I like to spend time with friends. I’m very involved at church and I like to sit by the pool and read.”