Kingwood High School was recently named a 2024–2025 UIL Lone Star Cup 6A Division Finalist, placing 6th in the state for its outstanding combination of academics, athletics, and fine arts. This honor reflects the dedication of our students and staff who have competed at the regional and state levels across all areas of school life.

As Kingwood continues to build on this momentum, it enters a new era of leadership. I had the opportunity to sit down with newly appointed Head Principal Meredith LeBlanc this summer to hear how she plans to take Kingwood to the next level and continue driving excellence in all areas of academics, sports, and student life.

To students and staff, Mrs. LeBlanc is a familiar face and a presence that has walked these halls, celebrated our victories, and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support our growth. After years of service as Associate Principal, she now takes center stage in a role she has long been preparing for.

“I am so excited for the opportunity to impact Kingwood High School in new ways,” Mrs. LeBlanc shared. “I truly believe that the best is yet to come for our campus, and I’m honored to have the chance to support such an exceptional community of staff and students.”

Mrs. LeBlanc’s transition to principal follows years of leadership experience, where she learned lessons she plans to carry into this new role.

“I learned the importance of listening first, being flexible and adaptable, and staying grounded in what matters most to our students,” she explained. “Those lessons taught me the importance of building trust and working  collaboratively to make decisions that are both thoughtful and bold.”

Now, as the leader of the entire campus, her perspective has shifted to long-term strategy.

“As principal, I’m challenging myself to think ‘big,’” she said. “In my former role, I focused on specific areas of responsibility. Now, I get to set the vision and long-term goals for our school, then empower and trust our incredible staff and students to bring that vision to life.”

Her vision is rooted in building a legacy of well-rounded excellence.

“My goal is for KHS to be a top-performing high school across all areas  with academics, athletics, fine arts, and community engagement,” she said. “I’m especially excited to focus on instructional excellence, ensuring that every student is challenged, supported, and prepared for life beyond high school.”

What makes Kingwood special, LeBlanc believes, is the strong sense of community and commitment to growth.

“The KHS community is a family,” she reflected. “We learn with and from each other, challenge each other, compete with each other, but always support each other and lift each other up. There’s a strong tradition of excellence here, and what makes us unique is that we don’t rest on that.  We see it as a call to keep growing, keep striving, and keep raising the bar.”

Her leadership style reflects that balance of care and accountability.

“I lead by setting clear goals and expectations,  challenging each person to bring their best, and providing the support that students and staff need to grow and succeed,” she said. “I believe a strong school culture starts with genuine care and high expectations for ourselves and for each other.”

To students looking to find their voice or make an impact, she encourages intentional, grounded leadership.

“Lead with purpose. Start small. Stay rooted in what matters to you,” she said. “Service and leadership aren’t always flashy and they begin with building community, using your voice responsibly, and taking consistent action, even in the little things.”

One of her top priorities is staying closely connected with students.

“By talking with students, visiting classrooms, walking the halls, and showing up to events,” she said, “I want to hear directly from students about their hopes for KHS, and I’m excited to partner with them as we shape the future of our school together.”

As she steps into this new chapter, LeBlanc already has her eyes on the long-term legacy she hopes to leave.

“I hope to leave a legacy of high expectations and a culture where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired to lead in their own way,” she said. “My goal is to support each student in creating a high school experience that they are proud of and excited to share with others. I hope they feel a sense of pride in our school that carries with them throughout their life.

With passion, vision, and a deep-rooted connection to our campus, Principal Meredith LeBlanc is ready to lead Kingwood High School forward one bold step at a time.  Please take a minute and welcome Mra. LeBlanc as our next Kingwood High School Principal, say hello and introduce yourself as a student when school starts this year.