Aldine ISD Leaders Surprise 2026 Principals of the Year With Campus Celebrations

On Feb. 23, cheers filled two Aldine ISD hallways as district leaders arrived with balloons, cameras, and a simple message: Thank you for leading.

During surprise visits on Feb. 23, Denise Meister, principal of Hinojosa EC/PreK/K, and Walter Stewart, principal of Nimitz Senior High, learned they had been named Aldine ISD’s Elementary and Secondary Principals of the Year for 2025–2026.

A committee chaired by Dr. Robin Williams, HR executive director of performance management, selects principals annually for outstanding leadership, student-focused service, and campus impact.

This year’s committee included district leaders and last year’s Principals of the Year.

“These leaders represent the best of who we are in Aldine ISD,” said Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney. “They lead with heart and high expectations. They strongly believe in what our students can achieve. Their work is not only transforming campuses — it is shaping futures. This is what #AldineStory looks like.”

Denise Meister

Elementary Principal of the Year
Hinojosa EC/PreK/K School

For Meister, leadership begins with a simple promise to her youngest learners.

“At the beginning of each school year, I tell our students I have two jobs — to make sure they are happy, and they are safe,” Meister said. “If children feel secure and joyful, we have set the groundwork for their educational success.”

Meister has 32 years in education and 29 in instructional leadership. She drove Hinojosa’s transformation into a top-performing campus. Her leadership increased kindergarten early literacy from 49% in 2020–2021 to 82% the following year. The campus consistently surpasses district averages.

Her impact goes beyond academics. Attendance rose by more than 3 percentage points thanks to intentional family engagement, and the campus maintains low teacher turnover, reflecting a strong, collaborative culture.

A kindergarten teacher at Hinojosa described Meister’s leadership during a tragic campus loss as compassionate and decisive. Meister coordinated counseling support, honored the family’s privacy, and checked in with staff to support their emotional needs.

Meister’s play-based initiatives created gardens, sensory spaces, and hands-on environments, boosting student engagement and development. Parent surveys show 99% of families feel welcome and inspired to participate.

“My legacy will be defined by always doing what is best for students,” Meister said. “Our most important job is to educate the whole child and help them fall in love with learning.”

Walter Stewart

Secondary Principal of the Year
Nimitz High School

At Nimitz High, Stewart’s leadership centers on the R.I.G.H.T. mantra: Respect, Integrity, Goal-oriented behavior, Honesty, and Teamwork.

“Keeping students first is not a slogan — it is a daily practice,” Stewart said. “Every decision we make begins with one question: How does this improve outcomes for students?”

Since 2022, Stewart has led significant gains in student achievement and postsecondary readiness. The campus raised College, Career, and Military Readiness from 42% to 98% over four years. The school earned a B accountability rating. Over 95% of seniors have graduated each year for the past three years.

Staff highlights Stewart’s intentional leadership. An instructional specialist noted that Stewart reviews student data for intervention, checks students’ grades and STAAR results, and reinforces the importance of progress.

Each morning, Stewart sets the tone with campus announcements. He reinforces expectations and leads a brief “Be Still” moment. This helps students and staff mentally prepare for learning.

Through clear communication, data monitoring, and visibility, Stewart has built a culture of high expectations and strong relationships.

“Our primary customers are students,” Stewart said. “They deserve choices and opportunities when they graduate from Nimitz.”

A Culture of Leadership

The Principals of the Year program honors leaders who build strong teams and family partnerships, creating safe, engaging environments for student success. Both Meister and Stewart excel in these areas.

From early learners discovering play to seniors preparing for college, careers, and military service, the 2026 Principals of the Year show leadership matters at every level.

In Aldine ISD, strong principals do more than manage campuses. They create opportunities and a sense of belonging and ensure every student’s story is one of possibility.

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