Hamilton Heights School Corporation has announced that Whitney Gray has been named as the new principal for Hamilton Heights High School. She steps into the role held by Jarrod Mason, a respected colleague, mentor, and beloved principal who passed away unexpectedly in November 2024.
Gray, who previously served as the assistant principal, brings a wealth of experience, knowledge of the day-to-day operations in the building, and a deep commitment to the school community. Gray was among a pool of 16 applicants and the top five candidates interviewed by the HHHS Principal Search Committee.
“It has been such an honor to serve as the assistant principal for the last 12 years,” Gray said of her tenure at Heights. “It’s incredibly bittersweet, but I consider it a great privilege to step into the principal role and appreciate the unbelievable support I have received along the way. Filling Mr. Mason’s shoes is simply not possible, but I trust that the team we have will continue the dream and vision Mr. Mason had for Hamilton Heights High School. I am looking forward to ‘Marching On …’”
“A committee of two HHHS teachers, the HHES and HHMS Principals, the HHSC Business Manager, and Special Education Director committed a lot of time and effort in going through the search process for the 13th principal in the history of Hamilton Heights High School,” Superintendent Dr. Derek Arrowood explained. “Whitney beat out a very deep pool but left no doubt in the committee’s mind that she is absolutely the best person to lead our high school. I can’t wait to see the great things Whitney is going to do to carry on Jarrod’s legacy while creating her own and making a positive difference in the lives of all HHHS students.”
Gray, who earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University (2008) and her master’s degree from Butler University (2012). She joined Hamilton Heights as a special education teacher in 2009 and was named as the high school assistant principal in 2013.
Gray loves what she does, and it shows. She has spent her entire educational career at Heights and has said time and again, “there is no place else I’d rather be.” She has earned a respected reputation through her servant style of leadership and “what’s best for kids” philosophy. She has played a pivotal role in creating new programs inside and outside the classroom that have elevated teaching and learning at the high school.
Gray’s passion for education and her ability to connect with both students and staff has enabled her to establish and maintain a positive culture and a high standard of academic achievement. While this was never on her radar, she is exactly where she needs to be.
In her new role as principal, Gray plans to continue fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.
“There is a lot of emotion involved with this next step,” she added, “but the joy and excitement are equally as strong as the heartache and pain of the last few months.”
Gray is unwavering in her commitment to helping students and teachers achieve their full potential and is excited to lead the school towards new heights of success, carrying on where Mason left off.
I look forward to meeting and seeing the future of our children with Whitney Gray as their leader!