Christopher Columbus High School

A Catholic School for Young Men in the Marist Tradition since 1958
About Us

Principal David Pugh

Office of the Principal

Mr. David Pugh, originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, attended Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida and in 1991 received his bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Communications.  David joined Barry University’s student services department where he worked as a career counselor, helping college students prepare for career success. He also taught college life skills and was a qualified administrator of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. At the recommendation of his director and mentor, David made the transition to high school where he would make an immediate positive impact on the lives of adolescents.
 
In 1998, he began his career at Christopher Columbus High School. He has been a dedicated Marist Educator for the last 25 years while serving as a counselor, coach, teacher, Dean, and Principal.  Mr. Pugh became the 13th principal of the school in June 2014.  He had previously served on Columbus’ administration as Assistant Principal for six years and before that as the guidance department chairperson. While serving as chairperson, he acted as the NCAA Clearinghouse coordinator, Silver Knight awards moderator, McKay Scholarship coordinator, and National Honor Society moderator while coaching baseball and football.
 
Mr. Pugh holds two Master’s Degrees, one in mental health counseling from Barry University and another in educational leadership from St. Thomas University.  He and his wife Jennifer have been married 29 years. They have two children, Britney, a graduate of Barry University and David, a 2015 Columbus graduate and 2019 Thiel College graduate.   
It is my honor to lead a school with such a rich tradition and penchant for excellence as Christopher Columbus High School.   As principal, I will continue to dedicate my life to educating and mentoring our young men in the Marist charism while working for the continued success of the school.
Additional Training:    Crisis Management, University of Miami
                                          Leadership Development, Barry University
                                          Human Resource Development, Barry University
 
Strengths:                      Passionate Leader
                                         Genuine Communication
                                         Ability to Adapt
                                         Innovative thinker
                                         Presence and visibility
                                         Problem Solving
                                         Compassionate and empathetic
                                   
Interests:                       Educating and empowering young men and
                                         creating future leaders
                                         Guiding young men in faith
A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.

- Douglas MacArthur

Christopher Columbus High School | 3000 SW 87 Avenue | Miami, FL 33165 | (305) 223-5650
Brotherhood, Faith, and Scholarship define the Marist Brothers Catholic education at Christopher Columbus High School.  By making Jesus Christ known and loved and creating an inspiring academic and extracurricular environment, we prepare young men for higher learning and a life-long commitment to leadership and service through Gospel and Marist values.

Columbus is fully accredited by Cognia and is a member of the Marist Association of Secondary schools, the National Catholic Education Association and the Independent Schools of South Florida.