Dr. Chris Becker-Principal

Bio: Dr. Chris Becker begins his 6th year as Principal at Highland High School and his 27th year in education. Becker served five years as an Associate Principal at HHS and eight years in Ball-Chatham CUSD #5 as an Associate Principal, Assistant Principal, and Athletic Director. Before administration, he taught sixth grade, and high school social science courses, assisted with Pre-K, and coached several sports, including HS football, junior high boys and girls basketball, and junior high volleyball and track in Riverton CUSD #14. Chris’ educational background includes a Doctorate and Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership with a Superintendent Endorsement from SIUE, a Master's in Educational Leadership from the University of Illinois-Springfield, and a Bachelor's in Education from Illinois College, where he played Division III football. He earned his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at SIUE and published his dissertation on Learning Communities in 2017. Becker is married to his wife, Holly, who teaches fifth grade at Highland Elementary and has three daughters, Lily, Kate, and Lucy. Chris enjoys reading, sports, exercising, music, fishing, and spending time with his family in his free time. He states, "I genuinely enjoy working with the Highland community to make a positive difference in the lives of students, parents, and faculty. We work extremely hard to maintain a positive climate and culture to help students reach their goals."

Email -  cbecker@highlandcusd5.org 

Curriculum and Instruction, School Culture, Assessment, School Leadership, School Improvement, Supervision and Discipline

 Mr. Caleb Houchins- Associate Principal

Bio: Mr. Caleb Houchins begins his 6th year as Associate Principal at High Highland High School and 23rd in education.  He began as an  administrator at HHS as the Assistant Principal/Athletic Director  from 2015-2018.  Mr. Houchins began his teaching career at Pleasant Hill High School in 2001 and moved to HHS in 2004.  He taught American History, Health, Physical Education and Government.   Houchins earned an undergraduate degree at Western Illinois University, an M.A. in Sports Management from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, and his Administration Certification in 2015.  His wife, Heidi, is a counselor at Triad High School. Together, they have two sons -- Cale and Nolan.  Mr. Houchins enjoys playing golf, reading and spending time with his family.  He's excited to be part of the HHS Administrative Team and works hard to make a difference in the lives of students, faculty, and community!

Email - chouchins@highlandcusd5.org
Attendance, Student Discipline for 9th and 11th grade, School Safety/Disaster Drills, Supervision, School Leadership, School Detentions Program, S.T.O.P. Program, Teacher Evaluations,  Short-Term Option Program, Attendance Officer, SAP Team Member, Attendance and Truancy

Ms. Susanne Himsel- Assistant Principal

Bio: ​ Mrs. Susanne Himsel is in her first year as an assistant principal at Highland High School and this year marks her twentieth year in education.  She began her teaching career in 2004 with Chicago Public Schools at Manley Career Academy.  After three years of living in Chicago, she relocated with her family to her hometown of Highland. Susanne then spent nine years teaching at Triad High School before taking the opportunity to return to her alma mater- Highland High School. A 1998 graduate of HHS, Susanne has spent the last seven years teaching and serving as department coordinator for the English department, and she has also served as sponsor of the Model United Nations club and the National Honor Society.  She earned her administrative license from Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville.  She also holds a Master’s Degree in English from Saint Louis University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Illinois- Urbana-Champaign.  Susanne also earned her Bachelor’s degree in English and Anthropology from the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign.  She lives in Highland with her husband, Jeff, and her three children, Sophia, Lillian, and Bennett and their four dogs and bearded dragon. She is an avid supporter of the Chicago Cubs and all things Fighting Illini.  Susanne also enjoys reading, taking her dogs for walks, and camping.  She looks forward to continuing her career in the Highland community, and she is excited to continue working with the staff and students at HHS.

Email - smichaelhimsel@highlandcusd5.org

Student Discipline for 10th and 12th grade, Supervision, School Leadership, , Teacher Evaluations, Professional Development, Curriculum Direction, Short-Term Option Program, Attendance Officer, SAP Team Member

Mr. Clint Hamilton- Athletic & Activities Director

Bio: Mr. Clint Hamilton begins his 1st year as Athletic & Activities Director at Highland High School and his 10th year in education.  He began as a Physical Education teacher in the Highland School District in 2015, with his last two years teaching PE and Health at HHS. Along with his responsibilities as athletic director, Hamilton will continue coaching HHS Girls Basketball this winter. Hamilton earned an undergraduate degree at Hannibal-LaGrange University in Hannibal, MO. His wife, Emmarie, is a Special Agent with the Illinois State Police. Together, they have two English Bulldogs - Rawlie and Moose. Mr. Hamilton enjoys playing golf, taking jeep rides, eating delicious food, and spending time with his family.  He's excited to steer the future of the HHS Athletic and fine arts programs and the various clubs at HHS and to develop relationships with the HHS staff and students and community members!

Email: chamilton@highlandcusd5.org

Athletics/Activities Director, Facilities Use Management, Contract and Scheduling, Facilities Scheduling, Athletic Budgets