by Hannah Snuggs (Posted on February 17, 2026 @ 2:18 p.m.)

Nothing is ensured, but doesn’t a little reassurance make you feel more in control? Instead of being overwhelmed, you can simply be whelmed. Usually, you are the jury in someone else’s court until you are the convict yourself. High school can be brutal, but there are things we can do to help take the stress off tomorrow’s shoulders. Weight was lifted on January 27th when Principal Smith, Coach Rittiman, and several counselors dazzled an audience of incoming ninth graders and their families.

Principal Cory Smith educated these families on “…ways that you can really enrich your 4 years with us, because it’s really what you make of it,” she advises. Throughout the night, she shared her wisdom about her own child growing up. Her personal experience has helped her understand the parents of rising ninth graders, calming their uneasiness about the unknown.

Beyond reassurance, the night also highlighted the importance of involvement and balance during the high school years. From academics to athletics and extracurriculars, families were encouraged to explore the many opportunities available and reminded that success looks different for everyone. Counselors emphasized that high school is not just about grades, but about growth, connection, and discovering passions along the way. These reminders helped shift the focus from fear of the unknown to excitement for what lies ahead.

As the event came to a close, the atmosphere felt noticeably lighter. Questions had been answered, concerns acknowledged, and expectations clarified. Incoming students and their families left with a clearer vision of what the next four years could hold and the confidence that they would not be navigating it alone. High School Ahead served as more than just an informational night—it became a moment of reassurance, guidance, and hope for the future. There are many different pathways that the next generation of Alamo Heights could diverge to, and High School Ahead made an exclamation point in the books.