In celebration of National Principals Month, Memphis City Councilman Edmund Ford Sr. recognized Dr. Trenton Watson, Principal of Westwood High School, for his vision, compassion, and steadfast dedication to creating opportunities for every student to succeed. 

A proud Memphis native, Dr. Watson, has spent more than two decades in education, guided by the belief that learning is never by accident. His journey to leadership took an unexpected turn. After graduating from Tennessee State University, he began his career in Public Relations but soon realized his true calling was in education. He later earned advanced degrees from Cumberland University and the University of Arizona Global Campus, where he completed his Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership.  

“I never thought I’d become an educator,” he said. “My mother taught for decades, and although I watched her do it so well, I assumed it wasn’t for me. She urged me to get my teaching license ‘just in case,’ and that advice changed the course of my life.” 

With encouragement from his mentor, principal Harold McRae, who also served as his childhood role model, Dr. Watson transitioned into education, quickly advancing from teacher to administrator and ultimately to principal, beginning his leadership journey. “Growing up in Memphis and now leading a school here speaks to my affection for the city,” Dr. Watson said. “It’s important to pour back into the community that shaped me and help our children see the best of Memphis through the opportunities education provides.” 

As principal, Dr. Watson describes his leadership style in one word: intentional. “Everything has to be intentional,” he said. “Every decision you make can lead to something good or something bad. It all comes down to ownership. When we own the process, we also own the outcome.”  

That philosophy guides every initiative at Westwood. Through the Longhorn Learning Process, students are taught to listen, engage, assess, reflect, nullify, and identify, a framework that emphasizes listening as the most challenging yet transformative skill to master. This approach also supports the school’s “Clear the Air” vision, which encourages students to resolve conflict through communication and reflection. As a result, Westwood has seen a 75 percent decrease in fights since last year, an achievement Dr. Watson proudly calls part of their “fight-free vision.” 

To maintain a positive and inspiring school culture, he leads weekly Monday Motivations for teachers and organizes spontaneous “just-because” events, including monthly staff luncheons, to celebrate his team. His approach aligns with the findings of his doctoral research, which revealed that educators rarely leave their profession; they leave supervisors who fail to make them feel valued. “When people feel valued, they put value back into what they do,” he said. “I want every teacher to feel seen, appreciated, and empowered to bring their full selves to work.” 

Beyond academics, Dr. Watson has revitalized the Westwood Alumni Association, encouraging graduates to mentor current students and stay engaged through volunteerism and community service. His team also prioritizes consistent communication with families, strengthening partnerships that deepen the school’s connection to the community.  

He has also expanded Westwood’s culture of care through meaningful outreach. Dr. Watson launched the school’s Prom Dress Closet, which provides more than 30 new gowns to students each year. He also proudly supports DJ’s Care Closet, a program housed at Westwood that supplies essential items to students and families across Memphis, ensuring that no child is held back by unmet needs, reflecting his belief in the power of dignity, confidence, and opportunity. 

Through perseverance and a heart for service, Dr. Watson’s journey has come full circle. Once a Raleigh-Egypt High School graduate who never imagined leading a classroom, he now leads the very kind of school that helped shape his youth. His story stands as a testament that with vision, faith, and intentionality, it is never too late to discover your purpose and give back to the community that made you who you are. 

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