Principal's Message

Greetings Whitney Young High School Community:

I am honored and excited to serve another year as the principal of Whitney Young High School.  As a career educator, I have more than 25 years of dedicated service in various positions that include:  Secondary Teacher, UTLA Chair, Cal-State University Mentor Teacher Support, Department Chairperson, Dean, Assistant Principal, and Summer School Principal.  During my career, I have had the privilege to serve school communities that include:  Washington Preparatory High School, Dymally High School, and various schools within the Long Beach and Compton Unified School Districts.  These experiences have not only played a critical role in my development as a school leader, but have also shaped my belief that our students are capable of achieving their highest levels of learning through equitable opportunities and targeted support.

Whitney M. Young, our school's namesake said, "It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared".  My goal is to build on the great work already occurring at Whitney Young High School to ensure that our students are prepared to access opportunities aligned with their dreams and goals.  To further ensure students' success, I will work with our school community to implement the District's 2022-2026 Strategic Plan which focuses on a goal of all students graduating, "Ready for the World".  To effectively implement this plan, it is important that we focus on the five high-level pillars of success that are:   Academic Excellence, Joy and Wellness, Engagement and Collaboration, Operational Effectiveness, and Investing in Staff.  At Whitney Young H.S., we will continue our work of Advocacy and Access.

My goal is to continue equitable and optimal learning experiences for our students through social and emotional learning, data driven instruction, community partnerships, career and college readiness opportunities, and other best practices.  I will collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that Whitney Young High School is a safe, positive, and nurturing environment conducive to learning.  I value the critical role that all stake holders provide in ensuring the success of our students.  Therefore, I will maintain open lines of communication.  Parents are highly encouraged to participate in school meetings and activities because you are valued members of this process.  Together, we can ensure that the diverse needs of our students continue to be met.  I look forward to a productive and positive school year.

Mrs. Annette Harrison-Owens

Principal Whitney Young High School