Highland Park High School

As the proud principal of Highland Park High School, it is my pleasure to welcome all students, staff, and families back for the 2026-2027 school year.  We are excited to have all of our students back in the building and in the classrooms with enthusiasm.  It is our mission that every student feels welcomed, connected, and a part of Highland Park every day. We have prepared and are ready to challenge our students to grow and achieve their goals towards their post secondary plans.  We have great teachers who have spent time getting ready for this school year and are ecstatic to learn each and every student that enters our building.  Through these relationships, we will ensure to prepare each individual student for their next steps and be effective citizens in the community.  I am honored to serve as the principal of Highland Park as it is a privilege to work with the staff, students, guardians, and community.   Welcome back students and remember it’s GREAT to be a Scot.

Juli Watson

HPHS Principal

Juli Watson, Principal

[email protected]
785-274-6000

As the proud principal of Highland Park High School, it is my pleasure to welcome all students, staff, and families back for the 2026-2027 school year.  We are excited to have all of our students back in the building and in the classrooms with enthusiasm.  It is our mission that every student feels welcomed, connected, and a part of Highland Park every day. We have prepared and are ready to challenge our students to grow and achieve their goals towards their post secondary plans.  We have great teachers who have spent time getting ready for this school year and are ecstatic to learn each and every student that enters our building.  Through these relationships, we will ensure to prepare each individual student for their next steps and be effective citizens in the community.  I am honored to serve as the principal of Highland Park as it is a privilege to work with the staff, students, guardians, and community.   Welcome back students and remember it’s GREAT to be a Scot.

Leosha Giardina, Associate Principal

[email protected]
785-274-6000

I grew up right here in East Topeka and have been a part of this community for as long as I can remember. I attended Belvoir, Highland Park North, Eisenhower, and Highland Park High School. I have always wanted to be a teacher. This desire and passion never changed and never died. As a student at Highland Park High School, a teacher saw something special in me and encouraged me to attend Emporia State University to become a teacher. Which is exactly what I did! I earned my Bachelor of Science in Education from Emporia State University and went on to get two master's degrees, one in Education and another in School Leadership, from Baker University. I knew I was eventually coming back “home” to teach in East Topeka, there was no other option for me. I wanted to give back what was given to me - hope, dreams, and direction. I’ve been proudly working in the Topeka Public Schools district since 1999. Throughout my career, I’ve had the pleasure of working at several schools, including Quinton Heights, Scott, Lowman Hill, Meadows, and Eisenhower and now Highland Park High School. I truly enjoy leading with a focus on classroom management, building strong relationships, and providing teacher support for effective instruction.

Along the way, I have had the support from my high school sweetheart and husband of over 30 years, our five children, grandson, family and friends. It is the countless number of students whom I have humbly had the opportunity to reach and teach these past 25 years as a teacher, an instructional coach, and an administrator that fuel my drive still knowing my impact can always be greater. It is because of my village and my spiritual foundation that I strive to persevere and continue on my journey. Whitney Houston said it best when she sang.. “ I believe the children are our future...” I believe the children are our future and our right now! It is my daily mission to provide ways for students to access the proper information so they can demonstrate positive behavior, academic success, and appropriate social skills to expose their greatness in and out of the classroom. This is me.

Dr. Michelle Lee, Assistant Principal

[email protected]
785-274-6000

Dr. Lee has served as a classroom teacher, teacher leader, and administrator throughout her educational tenure, starting in 2006.  However, Dr. Lee worked as a professional stage manager in Washington D.C. before moving back home to Kansas to pursue a career in education.

Dr. Lee earned her bachelor's degree in both theatre arts and performing arts entrepreneurship from the University of Iowa.  Her masters degree in secondary education was earned from Pittsburg State University.  K-State is where she earned her ESOL Certification.  Dr. Lee also attended Baker University and earned a doctoral degree in educational leadership.

In her free time, Dr. Lee enjoys traveling the world and blogging about her journeys.  She also loves hiking, kayaking, biking, swimming, camping, and riding roller coasters at amusement parks.  Her cats Diva and Drama misses her while she is at work, but they love how their mommie inspires numerous students to reach their greatest potential.

Adesuwa Okoya, Assistant Principal

[email protected]
785-274-6000

Adesuwa BankOkoya is a dedicated administrator at Highland Park High School Freshman Academy, where she plays a crucial role in guiding students through their transition into high school. With a rich background as a Behavior Interventionist, BASR teacher, Dean of Student Affairs, and Assistant Principal, she brings an abundance of expertise paired with a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Mrs. BankOkoya's mission is to create a space where every student can thrive both academically and personally. She firmly believes in the transformative power of education and is devoted to ensuring that each student feels valued and empowered. As the founder of BankOkoya's Hidden Gems Academy, she focuses on serving underserved students and draws inspiration from African Philosophy, particularly the concept of Omoluabi, which emphasizes nurturing virtuous children.

Her academic credentials are impressive, featuring a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from East Central University in Oklahoma, a Master's degree in Special Education from the University of Oklahoma, and a second Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Kansas State University. Currently, Mrs. BankOkoya is pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, with a focus on cultural fusion and its impact on student achievement and holistic development.

Outside of her professional commitments, Adesuwa enjoys listening to music and cherishing quality moments with her family. She is happily married and a proud mother of two wonderful children, alongside four lively dogs that add joy and excitement to her home. Mrs. BankOkoya is eager to connect with her students, supporting them on their educational journeys and ensuring they have the best possible start to their high school experience.