Posted in District News on October 7, 2025
Q&A with Principal Bianca Gholston
October is National Principals Month, so it’s a great time to shine the spotlight on the outstanding principals in Arlington ISD. Today, we’re starting with Atherton Elementary principal Bianca Gholston, who does something each morning that is truly unique.
“I love singing the morning announcements to help start each day with joy and positivity for both students and staff,” Gholston said. “It’s a small tradition that sets a cheerful tone for our ‘All-Star’ family!”
Gholston is celebrating 20 years in education this year, with 10 of them here in Arlington ISD. She has proudly served as the principal of Atherton for seven years, following three years as Atherton’s assistant principal. Read about Gholston’s “why” after 20 years and what gives her joy below.
〉How has being a principal shaped who you are – not just professionally, but personally?
Being a principal has stretched me as a leader – balancing decisions, problem solving, and supporting others while keeping our campus vision at the center. Personally, it has made me more patient, empathetic, and resilient. This role has deepened my “why,” reminding me that leadership is about service and that who I am as a person cannot be separated from who I am as a leader.
〉What keeps you coming back every day with energy and hope for your school community?
What fuels me daily is the belief that every child who walks through our doors deserves the very best – no limits, no excuses. I come back with energy because I know my presence sets the tone, and my hope is grounded in the potential I see in both our students and our staff. Watching teachers grow in their practice, seeing students gain confidence, and feeling families partner with us – those are the things that give me the push to keep showing up with purpose. Even on hard days, the “why” never changes: we’re building something bigger than ourselves.
〉What’s one moment that made you feel pure joy as a principal?
There are many, but one that stands out is when I watched a student who had struggled all year finally master a skill and beam with pride. The joy on their face, and the way their classmates and teacher celebrated with them, reminded me that growth – no matter how big or small – is worth every ounce of effort. Those moments of breakthrough, when you can literally see the impact of persistence and belief, are the purest joy in this work.