Dr. L. G. Pinkston Sr. High School soared to an A-rating this year, redefining what it means to be the pride of the west side.
Pinkston’s steady ascent reflects years of momentum. After earning a D in 2023, Pinkston climbed one letter grade each school year moving to a C, then a B, before officially reaching A status.
Data from the Texas Education Agency shows the school also earned distinctions for student progress, social studies performance, and helping all student groups succeed. But beyond state test scores or annual comparisons, dedication and consistency are how the rating was truly earned.
“I love being a Pinkston Viking,” said Abigail V. “Everyone gets along, and many people grew up together. Once you reach out to teachers and join programs, you end up loving it here.”
A senior, Abigail ranks in the top 7% of her class and aspires to become a neurosurgeon. Through Pinkston’s H-TECH healthcare pathway, she is on track to earn an associate degree in patient care alongside her high school diploma.
Tameca Ward, principal, always held a special vision for leading this campus, continuing a legacy that started on Dennison Street to a new state-of-the-art facility on Bickers Street, where students follow a campus-wide ethos centered on pride, respect, and accountability. She credits this approach to Pinkston’s A rating.
“I’ve gotten a chance to know the community and understand exactly what’s happening, but also push from the inside to give our students what they deserve,” she said. “Pinkston was always viewed as the underdog, and I felt like there were great things happening here. We just needed to show the students that we could provide the same opportunities, confidence, love, and support as anyone else.”
School leaders put support into action daily. Teachers and security personnel are positioned throughout the hallways to assist students at a moment’s notice, and Pinkston hoodies are distributed free of charge so every student can wear their school colors with pride.
In the school’s new legacy hallway, portraits of former principals and long-serving educators honor decades of devotion, reminding today’s students what it means to be a Pinkston Viking.
Beyond its close-knit culture, Pinkston equips students for post-secondary success through diverse college and career pathways, including NAF academies, Career and Technology Education programs, and pathways in Technology, health, and early college high school programs.
Senior Earrique “Bobby” W. M. takes pride in representing Pinkston across six different sports including basketball, football, soccer, swimming, track, and esports.
“Whenever people mention Pinkston outside of school, it’s usually sports-related because I play everything,” he said. “I always hold myself to a high standard because my name is attached to the school’s reputation.”.
Driven by high academic expectations, strong community roots, and student leadership, Pinkston continues to prove that its A-rated status is not an anomaly, it is the standard.