Trent Nickerson is the Principal for Nimitz High School, an Irving ISD alumnus, he served as Assistant Principal at Nimitz in 2019.

“I am humbled and honored to be selected to serve as the principal of Nimitz High School,” says Nickerson. “As a proud graduate of Irving ISD, a former assistant principal at Nimitz, and current head principal of Lady Bird Johnson Middle School, I feel a profound connection to the community. At Nimitz High School we embody the spirit of “ALLN.”  Together we will continue to strive for excellence in every endeavor. My focus remains steadfast on ensuring that our students are prepared for success in their careers, college pursuits and military service. I am committed to fostering an environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential.”  

Throughout his 14 years in Irving ISD, Nickerson has served as principal of Johnson Middle School for two years, principal of de Zavala Middle School for three years and assistant principal at Nimitz High School, de Zavala Middle School and Bowie Middle School a collective four years. He began his career as a US History and AVID teacher and football/basketball coach at MacArthur High School, where he graduated in 2005.

Prior to returning to Irving ISD, Nickerson taught social studies for two years in Lubbock ISD.

Nickerson earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Lamar University and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Texas Tech University.

Mrs. Trammell knew she wanted to be a teacher when she was 6 years old. Inspired by her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Webb, Mrs. Trammell would play school with the kids on her street where she grew up and was always the teacher.  Her mother bought her a gradebook, and she used it every summer in her neighborhood class. 

Mrs. Trammell became a Nimitz Viking in 1996. She is truly dedicated to the students, parents and staff at Nimitz.  During her years with Irving ISD, she has served as a Career and Technology Education teacher, government teacher, intervention coordinator, dean of students, administrative liaison, summer school assistant principal, summer school principal and assistant principal. She graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a Bachelor of Science in government and business administration and from Lamar University with a Master of Education in educational administration. She has served on several committees at the school and district level throughout her time in Irving ISD. Mrs. Trammell has an open-door policy for parents, staff and students and enjoys helping anyone who needs assistance.

When Mrs. Trammell is not at school, she enjoys spending time with her husband who she has been married to since 1994 and her daughter. She has a French bulldog named Piper whom she adores. Her favorite three places to visit are her childhood home, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and New York City.

Jeremiah Fincher graduated in 2010 from Texas Tech University with a degree in Multidisciplinary studies with a focus on ELAR and Social Studies. He graduated in 2018 from Lamar University with his Masters degree in Educational Administration.

He immediately began his teaching career with Irving ISD at Lamar Middle School and then was part of the staff that opened Lady Bird Johnson Middle School. He began his education career in 2010 working in Irving ISD and Coppell ISD, where he taught English, writing, Texas History, US History, PE and coached football, basketball, and track. After teaching and coaching, Mr. Fincher took the next step in his educational career and transitioned out of the classroom to the Administrative Liaison role at Johnson Middle School in 2018. He then became a Crockett Cougar and was an assistant principal for four years before joining Nimitz Nation as an assistant principal.

He is passionate about helping students learn and find success that they can build on beyond their school years. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing in recreational sports leagues, and cheering for the Texas Rangers and the Red Raiders. He is excited to join the Southside and work with the Nimitz Community!

Trina Valdez is a US. Navy veteran and long-time resident of Irving, TX. Her 3 children are products of Irving ISD, graduating from Nimitz High School with outstanding accolades. Because of this and so many other factors, her path has led her to be a part of the Nimitz High School family.

Mrs. Valdez’s journey started with obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Stephen F. Austin in 1994. She became an educator 28 years ago as a special education teacher in Dallas ISD through an alternative certification program. She acquired a Master of Education degree from Texas Woman’s University, and subsequently, achieved her Education Leadership certification. Later, she received her math certification. After 18 years in Dallas, she decided to seek instructional opportunities in Irving ISD. She was a classroom teacher and math interventionist for 4 years at Austin Middle School.

During that time, she was a member of Irving ISD’s Cohort 2 L.E.A.P. program. She taught math and was the Student Champion at Bowie Middle School. Next, she was the Administrative Liaison at South Irving Collegiate Academy. Then, the following year, she became Nimitz’s Administrative Liaison. This school year, Mrs. Valdez is excited to continue being a Viking as a Nimitz High School Assistant Principal.
During Mrs. Valdez’s leisure time, she has been working on her doctoral degree through Abilene Christian University, which she will complete in the Fall of 2024. She enjoys spending time with her husband of almost 30 years, her children, and her dog, Lexi. Additionally, she enjoys traveling and strengthening her faith by reading her bible. Go Vikings!

Mr. Zamora is embarking on his 10th year with Irving ISD, having dedicated 4 years each at Lady Bird Johnson and Austin Middle School before starting his second year at Nimitz High School. From an early age, he was determined to pursue a career in education, a goal he has diligently worked towards ever since. Mr. Zamora holds an Associate’s degree from Navarro College, a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a Master’s degree from the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. He is committed to building strong relationships with his students and providing unwavering support to help them succeed.