Originally delivered on 5/13/2026 4:03 pm

SUBJECT: WWHSAA Alumni eNews | Special Announcement

WOODROW ALUMNI E-NEWS
May 13, 2026
A MESSAGE FROM THE WWHSAA
The Woodrow Alumni Association would like to share some exciting news...

The Wildcats have a new leader, and the excitement on campus is electric!

Please join us in giving a BIG Woodrow welcome to Alex Merritt, our alma mater's new principal. His passion for students, commitment to excellence, and deep respect for Woodrow’s legacy make him an incredible addition to Wildcat Nation. With his leadership, our historic campus is ready to reach new heights.

The future is shining bright for Woodrow, and we are thrilled to have Mr. Merritt leading the way.

Keep Thy Heart,

WWHSAA

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Note |Information may be repeated in the newsletters, but we’ve kept it included for quick and easy reference.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Welcome, Principal Alex Merritt!

Dallas ISD Selects Alex Merritt as Principal of Woodrow Wilson High School

May, 2026, Dallas – Please join us in welcoming Principal Alex Merritt!

Alex Merritt is proud to serve as the new principal of Woodrow Wilson High School. He brings a strong commitment to students and a focus on supporting teachers and partnering with families. Mr. Merritt most recently served as principal of Alex Sanger Preparatory, a dual language campus, where he worked alongside staff and community members to strengthen academic programs and expand access to rigorous learning opportunities. During his tenure, the campus earned distinctions in postsecondary readiness, academic achievement, and ranked in the top 25% of comparable schools in Closing the Gaps.

Originally from North Carolina, Mr. Merritt earned a Bachelor's degree in English and Spanish from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain, and Havana, Cuba. He later earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from UNC Charlotte and Master's in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Austin.

Mr. Merritt began his educational career as an elementary teacher, teaching across content areas for nine years. He later moved into campus leadership, where he has focused on supporting teachers and strengthening instructional systems. During his time at Sanger, he led the campus through the International Baccalaureate (IB) authorization and supported continued growth in student outcomes.

A thoughtful and relational leader, Mr. Merritt is committed t listening and learning from the Woodrow Wilson community. He looks forward to building strong relationships and working in partnership with Woodrow's staff, student, and families to support the continued success of the school.

Woodrow Wilson High School serves a diverse and engaged East Dallas community with a long-standing tradition of excellence. Mr. Merritt is eager to learn from that history and partner with the community in the work ahead.

May, 2026 – From Principal Merritt:

I am incredibly honored and excited to share that I have been named the new Principal of Woodrow Wilson High School.

Stepping into a leadership role at a campus with such a storied tradition of excellence and a deeply engaged community is both a privilege and a responsibility I do not take lightly. Woodrow Wilson is more than just a school; it is a landmark of East Dallas, and I am eager to partner with our talented staff, dedicated families, and brilliant students to continue building on that legacy.

My journey in education—from nine years in the classroom to leading the incredible community at Alex Sanger Preparatory—has taught me that strong foundations are built through listening, learning, and a relentless focus on student outcomes. As I transition into this new role, my commitment remains the same: to support our teachers, empower our students, and ensure every Wildcat has the opportunity to excel.

To my Sanger family: Thank you for six unforgettable years of growing together. Your dedication to our students has been my greatest inspiration.

To the Woodrow community: I am ready to get to work. Let’s make this next chapter the best one yet.

ALUMNI CONNECTION
"Last Thursday" Alumni Dinner

It’s the perfect excuse to unwind, reconnect, and enjoy some classic Woodrow camaraderie over great food and easy conversation. Whether you’re a regular at our monthly meetups or haven’t joined us in a while, we’d love to see you pull up a chair and catch up with fellow Wildcats.

Bring a friend, share a story, stay for a slice — you know you want to!

Thursday, May 28th at 5:30 PM 

Campisi’s on Mockingbird

Alumni Lunch Bunch!

Join fellow alumni at 11:30am every third Tuesday of the month for friends, fun, and really good food!

The next one is scheduled for Tuesday,May 19th at 11:30am

Haystack Burgers and Barley

6465 E. Mockingbird Ln., Ste 500

ALUMNI REUNIONS
CLASS REUNIONS

If your Class hosted a reunion recently, or has a reunion coming up soon, we want to know!

Click the graphic above to check for upcoming reunions!

Send any reunion information and/or photos by completing this form.

100TH ANNIVERSARY & HALL OF FAME

Woodrow's Centennial Anniversary Celebration & Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is in the works! But we need HELP! There are many ways you can help us, such as:

  • Collect Memorabilia
  • Volunteer for a Committee
  • Be a Decade Representative
  • DISD & Campus Liaison
  • Make a donation!

Let us know how you can help and/or get more information by completing this form.

FYI | The WWHSAA will be accepting nominations for the Centennial Hall of Fame Induction beginning July 1, 2027 through January 31, 2028. 

Centennial HOF Nomination Form & Instructions Link will be posted on July 1, 2027.

WOODROW CAMPUS INFO

For Woodrow campus information, visit the Woodrow PTA website.

For all Woodrow sports schedules, visit the Woodrow Athletics website.

ALUMNI SHOP
WILD ABOUT WOODROW Yard Signs & Woodrow Marble!


Order a yard sign to support the WWHSAA's "WILD ABOUT WOODROW" Campaign!


You can order your very own piece of Woodrow Marble to display your Woodrow Pride!

WOODROW SPIRIT SHOP

The Woodrow Spirit Store is gearing up for a great spring season! In‑person shopping will be open to students and the community every other Thursday morning from February through May 2026, from 7:30–9:10 a.m. in the Cotton Miles Gym lobby. It’s the perfect chance to grab fresh Wildcat gear, stock up on favorites, and show your school pride. 

Prefer to shop from home? A limited selection of items is also available online and delivered right to your door, making it easier than ever to rep Woodrow wherever you go.

Questions? | Email the Woodrow Spirit Store

ALUMNI DONATIONS

Every year, the WWHSAA provides the campus and community with support in all areas. We count on the generosity of our alumni to be able to continue these endeavors. 

Please consider making a donation to help the efforts of the WWHSAA now and in the future.

We thank you from the bottom of our (Sweet)hearts!

DONATE TODAY

All monetary gifts, whether by donation or sponsorship, and funds collected from yard sign sales go to support Alumni activities, and a Legacy Gift to Woodrow from the WWHSAA & Wildcat Nation Sponsors commemorating the upcoming Centennial Anniversary, as well as school needs/organization support, on-going into the future.

ALUMNI CALENDAR
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, May 19
11:30a Woodrow Alumni Lunch Bunch
Thursday, May 28
5:00p "Last Thursday" Alumni Dinner Social
Saturday, June 6
2:00p Class of 1966 60th Reunion
Tuesday, June 16
11:30a Woodrow Alumni Lunch Bunch
Thursday, June 25
5:00p "Last Thursday" Alumni Dinner Social
Saturday, October 3
6:00p Class of '76 All 70s Decade Graduates Party
Friday, October 16
5:00p Woodrow HOMECOMING Alumni Tailgate & Football Game
Thursday, October 22
9:00a 12th Annual WoodrowFest Golf Tournament & Pub Party
Friday, September 1
Woodrow Centennial Anniversary & Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (in 2028, exact date TBA)
Facebook
Facebook

STAY CONNECTED, STAY PROUD, AND STAY WILD ABOUT WOODROW

Special message from the WWHSAA Communications / Events / Recruitment Chair, Jennifer Wheeler Hall: 

Dear Woodrow Wilson Alumni Community,

It has been an honor to serve as your Communications / Events / Recruitment Chair for the Woodrow Wilson High School Alumni Association. Effective immediately, I will be stepping down from this role. While I will no longer produce and publish the alumni newsletters or website, my commitment to this community remains strong.

Please know that I am still here for you. If you ever need assistance, have a question, or simply aren’t sure who to contact, you are always welcome to reach out to me at jwheels.woodrow1993@gmail.com. I will gladly help direct you to the appropriate person.

You may also complete the WWHSAA Inquiry form or contact any member of the Board of Directors for alumni‑related inquiries: alumni@wwhsaa.org 

  • Ken Kuesel ('68)
  • Dinah Gaspard ('68)
  • Barbara Adamson ('56)
  • Kyle Rains ('76)
  • Paul Dalton ('68)

Thank you for the trust, collaboration, and Wildcat pride you’ve shared with me. Serving this community has been a joy, and I look forward to cheering on the continued work of the Alumni Association.

With gratitude,

Jennifer Wheeler Hall ('93)

The WWHSAA will only send Alumni eNews up to 4 times per year, plus any important announcements between eNews releases. Thank you for being part of our Alumni Family!

For questions or issues about this newsletter, please complete this form.

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