Meet your administrators
- Mike Ward - Principal
- Justin Merritt - Assistant Principal and Athletic Director
- Jen Lawson - Instructional Supervisor
- Krystle Shuman - Assistant Principal CTAE Supervisor
- Dr. Michelle Thompson - Assistant Principal Testing Coordinator
- Cliff Kicklighter - Assistant Principal
Mike Ward - Principal
As the principal of South Effingham High School, I am honored to join the Mustang community and continue serving the students and families of Effingham County. With more than 20 years of experience in education, I have dedicated my career to supporting students and educators while building school communities where everyone can thrive.
My journey in education began as a middle school special education teacher in the Bulloch County School System. I later joined the Effingham County School System, where I spent 11 years serving as a special education teacher, football coach, and track coach. From there, I transitioned to Wayne County High School, where I served for six years as a special education and physical education teacher, football and track coach, and assistant athletic director. I then became an assistant principal at Wayne County High School before serving as principal of Arthur Williams Middle School for two years.
During my time at Arthur Williams Middle School, we celebrated significant accomplishments, including record-breaking growth in reading scores—the highest in both the county and the school's history. The school was also recognized by the state superintendent for exceptional growth in mathematics and improved its ranking within our RESA district.
Most recently, I had the privilege of serving as principal of Blandford Elementary School during the 2025-2026 school year. During that year, I worked alongside an outstanding staff and supportive families to foster a positive school culture and create meaningful learning experiences for students.
On a personal note, I am blessed to share life with my wife, Amanda, and our beautifully blended family. Between us, we have four amazing children: Carsyn, a student at Truett McConnell University; Andrew, a recent high school graduate; Collyn, a high school senior; and Hampton, a rising fifth grader. Watching each of them grow into who God created them to be is one of life's greatest joys, and I am grateful to play a part in their journey.
As principal of South Effingham High School, my mission is to cultivate a safe, supportive, and high-performing learning environment where every student is empowered to excel academically, grow as a leader, and prepare for success beyond graduation. I look forward to building strong relationships with our students, staff, families, and community as we work together to continue the tradition of excellence at South Effingham High School.
Go Mustangs!
Mike Ward
Principal
Mike Ward, Principal SEHS
Justin Merritt - Assistant Principal and Athletic Director
Jen Lawson - Instructional Supervisor
Jen Lawson
912-728-7511 ext. 1334
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!
Krystle Shuman - Assistant Principal CTAE Supervisor
My name is Krystle Shuman, and I love being a part of Mustang Nation! This is my 18th year in education, and I couldn’t be more excited. I spent 13 years as a CTAE teacher, and in 2010, I moved from my hometown of Athens, GA (Go Dawgs! 🐾) to Savannah to open the culinary arts program at Effingham College and Career Academy.
My husband and I live in Effingham with our two daughters — Rylee, who’s in 6th grade at South Effingham Middle School, and Olivia, who will be starting pre-k here at SEHS this year! 💜
In my spare time, I love crafting, Georgia football, and all things Disney. I’m looking forward to a great school year and am so proud to serve the SEHS community.
Go Mustangs! 🐴
Krystal Shuman
Assistant Principal /CTAE
Supervisor South Effingham High School
(912) 728-7511 Ext. 1335
Dr. Michelle Thompson - Assistant Principal Testing Coordinator
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
Cliff Kicklighter - Assistant Principal
Cliff Kicklighter
912-728-7511
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.