Alain Douge has been named the next principal of Lakeland High School, effective this summer.
Alain Douge, 45, has been selected as principal of LHS, effective this summer when current Principal Arthur Martinez retires.
“I always thought that Lakeland could be in my future,” Douge said Friday afternoon. “I’ve always thought it to be like the flagship school for the city, and, in a lot of ways, for the county, as well. So I’m excited to lead it.”
Douge said he doesn’t plan to make any changes upon arriving at LHS, which opened in 1902 and is the oldest public high school in Lakeland. The Dreadnaught football team has won nine state championships, while the cheer team has won five state titles and a national championship in 2023.
The school’s alumni include two Florida governors, the current Florida Supreme Court chief justice, the current U.S. representative from Lakeland, the Polk County sheriff, and multiple professional athletes, musicians and actors.
Douge and his wife Natalie own a home in north Lakeland. Natalie is a mental health counselor. They have two children: Tavian is a freshman at the University of Florida and Ayla is a sophomore at Lake Gibson High School, where his longtime friend, Ryan Vann, is principal.
Douge has a message for Dreadnaughts.
“I would like them to know I’m excited to start the next chapter at Lakeland High School,” he said. “It’s going to be a great 2024-25 school year and I’m looking forward to connecting with the community, staff, and our parents and students next school year.”