Getting to know your principals

Ian Reno, news editor| August 25, 2022

Learn more about your KHS principals for the upcoming school year.

Dr. Mike Havener – KHS principal
29 years at Kirkwood

Dream Lunch: A quiet place to enjoy a meal

Favorite Subject: Business

Hobbies: Walking

What person or event has shaped you the most?
“My family. They have guided me, and knew when to push [and] when to support. I have to say I wouldn’t be who I am without all of them.”

Something most people don’t know about you?
“I was a minor league hockey player. I played in different cities around the U.S., namely in Detroit. I played until I was about 20, and then I went to Mizzou and finished my degree.”

Hope for the upcoming school year?
“We are able to get back to whatever the new normal is going to be, and [we stay] focused on learning in the classroom without [COVID] restrictions.”

**Dream Lunch:** Little Gem Salad at Union Loafers
**Favorite Subject:** History
**Hobbies:** Cooking and gardening (Coco LeGrand)

Dr. Mike Gavin – assistant principal, class of 2023
24 years in education, 21 years at Kirkwood

What person or event has shaped you the most?
“My parents, they’re both educators. My husband of 17 years keeps me grounded and paying attention to what’s important. Professionally, I’ve worked with a lot of great people. So I don’t know if I can say one, but I could probably come up with a half dozen.”

Something most people don’t know about you?
“I’m a pretty intense chef. I cook a lot outside of school, both food and desserts. That’s a huge source of joy and relaxation for me.”

Hope for the upcoming school year?
“It’s a fresh new start for people to continue on a journey or to shape a new journey. To find some self-awareness and a sense of belonging with others. To be tested and to do hard things, and to be proud of the things you do successfully.”

**Dream Lunch:** The chicken parmesan sub at Fozzie’s
**Favorite Subject:** Social Studies
**Hobbies:** Hiking and watching my daughter learn (Tess Hubbard)

Dr. Joshua Flores – assistant principal, class of 2024
11 years in education, second at Kirkwood

What person or event has shaped you the most?
“[My family] is from a small town in West Texas and anytime we go back there are people that still know [my dad], recognize him and they talk about their life and how he influenced them. I just want to be able to have that impact on people as well.”

Something most people don’t know about you?
“I am a soccer fan. I never played soccer, but my roommates in college [both played] so they instilled in me a love [for the sport]. I’m an Everton fan, so I like to watch the Premier League on Sundays and Saturdays.”

Hope for the upcoming school year?
“[I hope] I get to know the class of ‘24. That I can help [them] find the path that [they] want to take for the next two years, and help [them] be successful along that path.”

Dream Lunch: A quiet place to enjoy a meal

Favorite Subject: Business

Hobbies: Walking

**Dream Lunch:** Mexican food or white pasta
**Favorite Subject:** Science
**Hobbies:** Garden, sand volleyball and home improvement projects (Coco LeGrand)

Mrs. Stephanie Owens – assistant principal, class of 2025
22 years in education, second at Kirkwood

What person or event has shaped you the most?
“I played three sports in high school, I was in the choir and I was a cheerleader. They all taught me how to get along with other people, how to problem solve and how to take on leadership roles.”

Something most people don’t know about you?
“I went to space camp. I love space. I [still] have my little astronaut suit that I loved to wear as a teacher. I used to be a rapper back in middle school. We had a club that used to rap about Say No to Drugs, and I auditioned for that.”

Hope for the upcoming school year?
“I’m hoping [the sophomores] feel comfortable, they are more outgoing, more involved, speak up and make an impact on our school.”

**Dream Lunch:** Good people to share it with
**Favorite Vacation:** Staycation
**Hobbies:** Sleep, football, basketball and baseball (Tess Hubbard)

Dr. Courtney Ford – assistant principal, class of 2026
16 years in education, first at Kirkwood

What person or event has shaped you the most?
“My grandmother. She’s a retired educator, so growing up I had teachers at school but also a teacher at home. I saw [education] from a young age. [She’s] someone I can still go talk to and ask about different things. [She’s] still a wealth of knowledge.”

Something most people don’t know about you?
“I enjoy going to The Muny. I’ve been [going there] every week since 2011. I go to each show, [and] I’ve [only] missed one over that [time]. I just enjoy being out there and taking in the play.”

Hope for the upcoming school year?
“I look forward to welcoming the freshman into high school. [I hope] we can set goals with students, so that their time at KHS is spent on developing themselves and getting themselves ready for the next phase of life.”

**Dream Lunch:** Shrimp and chicken fettuccine with cheesy garlic bread and a house salad
**Favorite Subject:** English
**Hobbies:** Relaxing, eating Imos, watching Lifetime (Tess Hubbard)

Dr. Shiree Yaggins – assistant principal, pioneer pathways
25 years in education, first at Kirkwood

What person or event has shaped you the most?
“My parents. Even though they didn’t have [a lot] of education, their drive to see their children have an education shaped me.”

Something most people don’t know about you?
“My sister and I [were] born three years apart on the same day.”

Hope for the upcoming school year?
“To continue the great work done in Pioneer Pathways, to expand my connections within the school and build relationships with parents, students and teachers.”