Story by: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications

Goose Creek CISD recently highlighted a unique connection among its campus leaders on The Goose Call, the district’s official podcast. The special episode featured five high school principals who are proud graduates of the very schools they now lead, celebrating what it truly means to come full circle.

The featured principals include Earnest Brooks, Principal of Robert E. Lee High School and Robert E. Lee High School Class of 1994 graduate; Nathan Chaddick, Principal of Ross S. Sterling High School and Ross S. Sterling High School Class of 1987 graduate; Shonna Prentice, Principal of Stuart Career Tech High School and Ross S. Sterling High School Class of 1998 graduate; Laura Reyes, Principal of IMPACT Early College High School and Robert E. Lee High School Class of 1987 graduate; and Kelley Start, Principal of Goose Creek Memorial High School and Ross S. Sterling High School Class of 1996 graduate.

The conversation began with a trip down memory lane as the principals reflected on their student experiences, from pep rallies and halftime shows to cross-town rivalries at Stallworth Stadium.

“Anytime I step into Stallworth Stadium, memories flood back,” said Kelley Start. “I was a Sterling Star, and that experience shaped so much of who I am today.”

Earnest Brooks shared a spirited memory from the 1993 Lee versus Sterling game, a classic 15–12 Gander victory that still stands out in his mind.

“Walking the same halls today brings back that nostalgia,” Brooks said. “It makes me fight even harder to ensure students on our side of town get every opportunity to go out into this world and be somebody.”

The principals also spoke about what inspired them to enter the field of education and how their time in Goose Creek CISD played a role.

“My Sterling Stars director was a huge inspiration,” said Start. “If I hadn’t had that experience, I wouldn’t have wanted to be a Star Director and hopefully give those same opportunities to my students.”

“People see gifts and talents in you,” reflected Brooks. “Sometimes you’re destined to do certain things. This is the town I was chosen to give back to.”

Laura Reyes, whose mother also taught at Lee High School, added, “Once I got into schools, I felt the reason I was meant to be here. My mom was my inspiration. She led me into this work.”

While each principal’s story is different, their shared experiences growing up in Baytown have shaped their leadership and strengthened their bond with students, staff, and families.

“Knowing the different parts of Baytown, from Pelly to Old Baytown, helps me understand our community and where our families are coming from,” said Reyes. “That connection gives me passion for what I do every day.”

Shonna Prentice described her goal to ensure her staff and students feel that same sense of pride. “When I was in high school, my teachers were proud to be Rangers,” she said. “My goal now is to make sure my teachers are proud to be Titans.”

She also shared how her education journey began with a powerful moment of inspiration.

“I actually started in public relations before becoming a teacher,” Prentice said. “It was a third-grade teacher, Ms. LeDay, who showed me how one caring educator could completely change a child’s outlook. I knew then that I wanted to make that same kind of difference.”

For Nathan Chaddick, whose family roots in Goose Creek CISD span generations, the experience is deeply personal.

“My dad graduated from Lee in 1958 and never missed a Gander game,” he said. “There’s a special rapport that comes from being part of multiple generations in this community.”

Together, these five leaders embody what it means to come full circle, growing from students into the educators shaping the next generation of Giants.

“It’s powerful to see our alumni leading from within,” said Goose Creek CISD Executive Director of Community Engagement, Kendall David. “Their stories show how deeply connected this district is, and how, here in Goose Creek CISD, we truly grow Giants.”

You can listen to the full episode, “Full Circle: Five Principals, One District,” on The Goose Call podcast at www.gccisd.net/page/Communications.NewsHub