Mr. Caleb Houchins-Principal

Bio: Mr. Caleb Houchins begins his 1st Year as Principal at High Highland High School and 24th in education.  He began as an  administrator at HHS as the Assistant Principal/Athletic Director  from 2015-2018.  He then was the Associate Principal from 2019-2024. 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 - [email protected]

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

Mr. Spencer Range- Assistant Principal

Bio: Mr. Spencer Range is entering his sixth year as an administrator and 14th in education. He joins the Highland Administrative Team after serving as Assistant Principal (2019-22) and Principal (2022-24) with Scott-Morgan CUSD #2 in Bluffs, Illinois. Prior to entering administration, Mr. Range taught English and Humanities in grades ranging from 7th through 12th with Waverly CUSD #6 and Western CUSD #12. As a teacher, he especially enjoyed being a class sponsor, sponsoring Student Council, and coaching Scholastic Bowl. Born and raised on a farm in Marissa, Illinois, Mr. Range graduated from Marissa CUSD #40 in 2001. He earned his administrative license from Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, where he also earned his Master's Degree in Education. He holds Bachelor's degrees in English and History from MacMurray College. Mr. Range lives in Highland with his wife Jessica, who is an attorney, daughter Arwen, and dog Ryno. Outside of school, Mr. Range enjoys weightlifting, fantasy football, and travel planning, and he believes in all things St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. He is excited to join the HHS Administrative Team and for his family to be a part of the Highland community.

Email: [email protected]

Attendance, Student Discipline for 10th and 12th 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 second year as an assistant principal at Highland High School and this year marks her twenty-first 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 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 - [email protected]

Student Discipline for 9th and 11th 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 2nd year as Athletic & Activities Director at Highland High School and his 11th 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 coach 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: [email protected]

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