Administration
Principal
Tony Escoto, M.Ed.
I am honored to serve as Principal at Waxahachie High School and look forward to working alongside our students, parents, teachers, and community members to support student growth and success.
I grew up in Houston and graduated from Northbrook High School in Spring Branch ISD. I went on to attend the University of North Texas (Go Mean Green!), where I earned a degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. I later completed my master’s degree in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University and earned my Administrator’s Certification through Lamar University.
I began my career in education as a science teacher in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD and later continued teaching in Lewisville ISD. I transitioned into administration in Lewisville ISD and continued in that capacity in Frisco ISD before joining Waxahachie ISD.
My family is Waxahachie proud, and we love being part of this incredible community. My wife, Casey, is a teacher in WISD, and we have two wonderful children—Ethan, who plays football, and Emma, who enjoys dance. As a family, we cherish spending time together and staying actively involved in the district and local events.
I am truly honored and excited to serve as the principal of Waxahachie High School. WHS has a strong tradition of excellence, and I look forward to building on that foundation by supporting our students, staff, and families.
Tony Escoto
🎓 Undergraduate Degree, Biology with Chemistry Minor, University of North Texas
🎓 Graduate Degree, Secondary Leadership, Grand Canyon University
📜 Administrator Certification, Lamar University
☎️ (972) 923-4600
Associate Principal
Joshua Perry, M.S.
I am a proud graduate of Crockett High School in Crockett, Texas. My academic journey led me to Stephen F. Austin State University, where I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics and a Master of Science Degree in Chemistry. I later obtained my Principal Certification through Lamar University, further preparing me for leadership in education.
I began my career in education at Milford ISD, where I taught a range of science courses to students in grades 8–12. I later joined Waxahachie ISD, where I taught Chemistry, Pre-AP Chemistry, and Dual Credit Chemistry. During this time, I served as the Science Department Chair and participated in various district-level planning committees, always striving to enhance the educational experience for students and staff alike.
Since transitioning into campus leadership, I have been honored to serve as both an Assistant Principal and now the Associate Principal at Waxahachie High School. These roles have allowed me to support students and educators beyond the classroom while helping shape a culture where everyone can thrive. I am passionate about building strong relationships, fostering a positive school climate, promoting academic excellence, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.
Joshua Perry
🎓 Undergraduate degree, Chemistry with Math Minor, Stephen F. Austin State University
🎓 Graduate degree, Chemistry, Stephen F. Austin State University
📜 Principal Certification, Lamar University
☎️ (972) 923-4600
Assistant Principals
- Jeremy Trettel, M.Ed.
- Anteneshia Jones, M.Ed.
- Joseph Reichert, M.A.
- Vanessa Kelsey, M.S.
- Aisha Wilkes, M.Ed.
- Hailee Burch, M. Ed.
Jeremy Trettel, M.Ed.
My name is Jeremy Trettel, and I am excited to join WHS as an Assistant Principal. I began my career in education in 2011, most of which was spent serving in my hometown of Fort Worth. I taught secondary science and social studies before being called into administration. I obtained my bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University, and my master’s from the University of North Texas. I have a wonderful wife and big blended family that keeps us constantly filled with activities such as football, soccer, and raising pigs. I really look forward to learning and participating in all of the school and community traditions that Waxahachie brings to life.
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🎓 Undergraduate Degree, Texas Christian University
🎓 Graduate Degree, University of North Texas
☎️ (972) 923-4600
Anteneshia Jones, M.Ed.
Anteneshia Jones proudly serves as an Assistant Principal at Waxahachie High School. She is a graduate of DeSoto High School. She earned her undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University, where she was a member of the NCAA National Champion Track & Field Team, and her graduate degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Mrs. Jones began her career in education as a Special Education teacher in 2012 and has served as a Department Head and track coach. She joined Waxahachie High School in 2022.
Mrs. Jones devotes her spare time to fitness, friends, and family with her husband, Chris, her son, Aiden, and her bonus son, Chris Jr.
hr🎓 Undergraduate Degree, Psychology, Texas A&M University
🎓 Graduate Degree, Educational Administration, Texas A&M University, Commerce
☎️ (972) 923-4600
Joseph Reichert, M.A.
Joseph Reichert is excited to serve as an Assistant Principal at Waxahachie High School. Originally from the East Coast, Joseph began his educational career in New Jersey in 1999. He began as a music educator and department chair and most recently served as an administrator in Dallas ISD and Richardson ISD.
In his spare time, Joseph enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and daughter, reading, and composing music.
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🎓 Undergraduate Degree, Music Education, New Jersey City University
🎓 Graduate Degree, Music Performance, San José State University
🎓 Doctoral Candidate, Educational Leadership (K-12), Dallas Baptist University
📜 Principal Certification, Lamar University
☎️ (972) 923-4600
Vanessa Kelsey, M.S.
I am honored to serve as part of the administrative team at Waxahachie High School. I have almost two decades of experience in education, serving as Coordinator of Agricultural Programs and Assistant Principal, where I supported student success and program growth.
I am also a proud mom of two, with one in high school and one in college, and a dog mom of two. In my free time, I enjoy shopping and reading.
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🎓 Undergraduate Degree, Animal Science, Texas A&M, Commerce
🎓 Graduate Degree, Agricultural Education, Texas A&M, Commerce
📜 Principal Certification, Stephen F. Austin State University
☎️ (972) 923-4600
Aisha Wilkes, M.Ed.
Mrs. Wilkes is honored to serve as an Assistant Principal at Waxahachie High School. She brings over a decade of experience in education, having taught mathematics at Copperas Cove ISD and Mansfield ISD. Her professional journey also includes serving as an instructional specialist and assistant principal intern.
Before her career in education, Mrs. Wilkes proudly served four years in the United States Army as a combat veteran, an experience that shaped her leadership and commitment to service. Mrs. Wilkes is married and the proud mother of two children, one of whom currently attends Waxahachie High School. She is dedicated to supporting students, staff, and the school community with integrity, compassion, and a focus on academic excellence.
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🎓 Undergraduate Degree, Mathematics, Texas A&M at Central Texas
🎓 Graduate Degree, Curriculum & Instruction, University of Texas at Arlington
🎓 Graduate Degree, Education Administration, Lamar University
☎️ (972) 923-4600
Hailee Burch, M. Ed.
I am originally from Denison, Texas, but spent my early high school years in West Monroe, Louisiana, and eventually landed in Durant, Oklahoma, where I graduated from Durant High School. After graduating high school, I attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where I earned my Bachelor’s in English with a Writing Emphasis. I have a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Principal Certification through Region 10’s Principal Certification Program.
My career in education began in 2011, and I have gained experience both in Irving ISD and Waxahachie ISD. During my time at Waxahachie High School, I have taught a variety of levels of English and have most recently taught English IV and English IV Dual Credit. Outside of school, I enjoy going on adventures with my husband, Sam, and our two children, Barrett and Brinlee.
I look forward to another year here at Waxahachie High School and consider it an absolute privilege to serve our students, parents, staff, and community in my role as Assistant Principal.
Roll Tribe!
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🎓 Undergraduate Degree, English, Southeastern Oklahoma State University
🎓 Graduate Degree, Curriculum, University of Texas at Arlington
📜 Principal Certification
☎️ (972) 923-4600