#TeamHCDE was well represented at the Texas Association of Alternative Education’s 35th annual conference, “The Emerald Celebration: Let’s Grow Together.” From earning one of the organization’s top awards to leading presentations, HCDE cemented its place as an industry leader in alternative education during the conference, held June 30-July 1 in Houston.
Highpoint School East Principal Courtney Waters was named the 2025 TAAE Administrator of the Year. Having recently completed her fourth year as campus principal, Waters has created a climate and culture that supports growth and success for both students and staff members by showering her school community with love and encouragement.
Her philosophies have proven effective, as a number of adjudicated youth sent to Highpoint thrive within the campus culture and return to their campuses as new students.
“For over 27 years, I have dedicated my life to supporting students, especially those in alternative education settings,” said Waters, who joined HCDE in 2018. “Receiving this award affirms the passion, persistence and purpose I’ve poured into this work. It is an honor to have this journey recognized.”
Waters was honored at the Star and Spurs: Saluting Trailblazers Awards Ceremony on the second day of the conference.
Fortis Academy was also among three campuses selected as Showcase Schools.
Campus Principal Travita Godfrey led a presentation June 30 titled, “Rewriting the Narrative: The Power of Purposeful Structure in Alternative Schools.”
In addition, Highpoint Assistant Principal Troy Moore and Transition Specialist Jon’Erik Price led a session titled “Smoking Out the Window.” The presentation focused on educating school leaders about key indicators of student drug use and familiarizing them with common terms students use when discussing drugs.
HCDE staff connected with related field professionals at the conference, including counselors, probation officers and educators. In addition to sharing HCDE practices, staff members also gained insight and practical strategies to better serve at-risk youth in Harris County and provide healthy connections with school districts and programs.