October 5, 2026 - Meet Memorial Early College High School Principal Terri Duncan. In this Q&A, Duncan discusses what makes the campus unique and how Memorial Early College High School helps students build a strong Path to Success through an early college experience that accelerates learning and expands opportunities.
Q: If you could describe your school in three words, what would they be and why?
A: Connected: MECHS is a place where relationships matter. The small-school environment creates strong connections among students, teachers, families, and the college community. You also consistently emphasize collaboration, communication, student voice, and making sure people feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves.
Driven: There is a strong sense of purpose at MECHS. Students are working toward both a high school diploma and an associate degree, which requires them to take ownership of their learning and persevere through challenging coursework. The same drive shows up in your staff as you continually push toward stronger instruction, engagement, PBL, blended learning, and student success.
Opportunity: MECHS creates opportunities that students might not otherwise have - earning college credit and an associate degree, exploring careers, building relationships with mentors, participating in clubs and organizations, and developing leadership skills. But perhaps most importantly, MECHS gives students the opportunity to see themselves as capable of achieving more.
Q: What is something people are always surprised to learn about you?
A: I am originally from Wisconsin but moved here right after graduating College. I am one of 9 children in my family. I have been in education for 28 years, 24 as an administrator.
Q: What is your favorite school tradition or event each year?
A: For someone that is fairly new to MECHS, I would say that I have 2 favorites, Graduations (both from NLC and from MECHS), and a newly implemented tradition of our Homecoming Flag Football game.
Q: If your school had its own theme song, what would it be and why?
A: “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus because it captures a lot of what MECHS represents. MECHS students are on a challenging journey—they are balancing high school, college coursework, TSIA2/SAT expectations, and the goal of earning an associate degree. The journey isn't always easy, but the emphasis is on perseverance, growth, and continuing to move forward. It also connects nicely to your “Good to Great Together” message. The goal isn't simply to arrive at a destination; it's about continually growing, learning, supporting one another, and becoming better along the way.
Q: What would you tell a family who is considering your school for the first time?
A: I would tell families that MECHS is more than a high school—it is a place where students are challenged, supported, and given opportunities to grow. Our students have the unique opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree while building meaningful relationships with teachers, exploring their interests, and preparing for their future. We believe in knowing our students, celebrating their successes, supporting them through challenges, and helping them discover what they are capable of achieving. At MECHS, we truly believe that we are better when we grow and succeed together.
Q: What is the best part of your day as principal?
A: The best part of my day is walking into our classrooms and witnessing the incredible teaching and learning taking place. I love seeing students embrace productive struggle, persevere through challenges, and discover that they are capable of more than they may have initially thought. And there is nothing more rewarding than witnessing that “light bulb” moment—the instant when a concept clicks, confidence grows, and a student realizes, “I can do this!” Those moments are the heart of education and a daily reminder of the incredible work happening at MECHS.
Q: What inspired you to become an educator, and eventually a principal?
A: I went into education because of a teacher who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. My high school math teacher was kind, caring, and took the time to see something in me that I didn’t yet see in myself. The impact he had on my life stayed with me, and I knew I wanted to have that same kind of impact on others—to be the person who helps a student recognize their potential, believe in themselves, and realize they are capable of more than they ever imagined. That calling eventually led me into administration, where I have the opportunity to expand that impact by supporting and empowering teachers. I want to help teachers grow, feel confident in their work, and create those same meaningful moments for students that my math teacher created for me.
Q: When students see you around campus, what do you hope they remember most about you?
A: When students see me around campus, I hope they remember that I genuinely care about them and believe in their potential. I want them to know that I see them, that their voice matters, and that I will always encourage them to challenge themselves and believe they are capable of more than they may realize. More than anything, I hope students remember that I was someone who believed in them, supported them, and wanted to see them succeed—not just in high school, but in whatever they choose to pursue beyond MECHS.
Q: What opportunities or programs get students most excited to come to school?
A: Our students are excited to come to school because there are so many opportunities for them to find their place, connect with others, and challenge themselves. Robotics, intramural sports, yearbook, eSports and our many clubs and organizations give students opportunities to explore their interests and build relationships outside of the classroom. In the classroom, PBL creates opportunities for students to collaborate, solve real-world problems, and learn alongside their peers through meaningful group work and authentic experiences. At the same time, our teachers challenge students with rigorous work that stretches them beyond what they think they can do and helps them grow as learners. It is that combination of connection, opportunity, collaboration, and challenge that makes MECHS an exciting place to come to school each day.
Q: On a fun note, if you were a student at your school today, what club, activity, or class would you most want to join?
A: If I were a student at MECHS today, I would definitely have to join intramural sports! I was an athlete in high school, so I would love the opportunity to compete, have fun, and build friendships with other students. But I also genuinely loved learning, so I think I would be drawn to a class that challenged me and allowed me to dig deeper, collaborate with others, and solve real-world problems. Honestly, I probably would have wanted to be involved in a little bit of everything—because having opportunities to compete, create, learn, and connect with others is what makes the high school experience so much fun!
Thank you, Ms. Duncan, for your dedication to creating opportunities that empower students to discover and pursue their Path to Success.
To learn more about Comal ISD Schools of Choice, visit https://www.comalisd.org/apps/pages/highschoolsofchoice