Hello Mustangs!

I have had the pleasure of working at South Effingham High School since January 2013 after graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a B.A. in English and two minors in Secondary Education and Women and Gender Studies. I taught 9th grade ELA for five years and completed an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction at Georgia Southern University in May 2017 before becoming an Assistant Principal in January 2018. Since entering administration, I have been an Assistant Principal, Testing Coordinator, and now I have the honor of working as the Instructional Supervisor. I am currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Curriculum Studies.

I'm so excited to continue my work at SEHS as the Instructional Supervisor, and I love working to ensure student success both academically and personally! One of the greatest joys we experience in high school is seeing a student walk across the stage with a diploma and a plan, and I hope to accomplish that with every student. As always, GO MUSTANGS!

My name is Michelle Thompson and I am excited to begin my first year in administration at South Effingham High School!  I have spent the past 23 years as a high school science teacher, the last eight years of which have been in Effingham County and the last three years at SEHS.  I received my BS in Kinesiology from Georgia Southern, Masters in Science Education from Armstrong Atlantic (now Georgia Southern), and my Doctorate in Education in Curriculum Studies from Georgia Southern……Go Eagles!!  I also hold my Educational Leadership Certification from the University of West Georgia.  I have been married to my husband Alex for 24 years and we have three children---Tyler (Senior at GSU and SEHS ℅ 2021 graduate), Bradley (Junior at SEHS), and Maddie (7th grade at SEMS).  

I believe that every student has something valuable to contribute to our school community.  I look forward to working with you this year to help your student reach his or her highest potential.  

Michelle Thompson
Assistant Principal
South Effingham High School
mthompson2@effingham.k12.ga.us 

Cliff Kicklighter brings nearly 20 years of experience in education, including leadership roles in school safety, student support, and Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs. He is currently finishing up his third year as Assistant Principal at Bryan County Middle High School, where he oversees Safety, CTAE and science programs for grades 6–12. He also served as an Instructional Technology Specialist and Intervention Specialist during his time with Bryan County Schools. 

Mr. Kicklighter previously taught Engineering and Technology at Effingham College and Career Academy and began his teaching career in Columbia County at Evans High School. 

He lives in Guyton with his wife Candice and their four children, all of whom attend Effingham County schools. Mr. Kicklighter is excited to return to Effingham County Schools in a leadership role and looks forward to serving the students, staff, and families of South Effingham High School.

My name is James Rowe, and this is my first year as assistant principal at South Effingham High School. This is my seventh year in education, all of which have been at South Effingham High School. I spent the first six years as a Science teacher, football coach, and track coach. I attended Georgia Southern University for a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, Georgia College and State University for a Master of Arts in Teaching, and Thomas University for an Education Specialist in Teacher Leadership. I also have an educational leadership tier 1 certificate from Thomas University. 

I am excited to be an assistant principal at SEHS and ensure safety in the school and on the buses. My hope as an assistant principal is to build meaningful relationships and show every student and teacher that they matter and are an integral part of the Mustang family. 

One Band, One Sound!

My name is Michelle Coburn and I am so excited to be a part of this administrative team.   After spending 13 years teaching Health and PE and coaching several sports, I transitioned to the position of guidance counselor where I spent another 13 years.  My roles as Assistant Principal include Testing Coordinator and Hospital Homebound Coordinator.  

South Effingham High School is a great place to be!  

Michelle Coburn

912-728-7511 ext. 1375

mcoburn@effingham.k12.ga.us