Christopher Columbus High School

Few people know Christopher Columbus High School as intimately as David Pugh. Nearly three decades ago, he joined the school as a counselor and coach after earning his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Barry University and spending six years there as a career counselor. His journey, from guidance in athletic fields to dean of students and ultimately the school’s first lay principal, deepened his understanding of the students, families and traditions that define Columbus today.

As an all-boys Catholic Marist school, Christopher Columbus High School is guided by a mission of brotherhood, faith and scholarship rooted in St. Marcellin Champagnat’s belief that educating young people begins with loving them equally. For Pugh, this philosophy remains the foundation of every decision made in support of students.

Preserving a Legacy of Growth and Formation

Becoming the school’s first lay principal was not simply a leadership transition. I inherited a tradition shaped by generations of Marist Brothers with the responsibility of carrying it forward for a new generation. Every year, more than 1,700 students arrive from 118 feeder schools, bringing different experiences and perspectives. We embrace and celebrate our diversity by uniting these young men around a shared sense of brotherhood where the work of developing faith, character, service and integrity begins.

Building that community requires presence. I believe a principal should be visible in classrooms, hallways, school activities and everyday conversations with students, teachers and families. Our distinct leadership model makes that possible.

Working alongside a president, CFO, assistant principals and deans gives me the freedom to stay connected to the daily life of the school rather than overseeing administrative demands.

Most of our administrative team members have served Columbus for more than two decades, bringing together collaboration, mutual trust and a shared vision with a clear understanding of the school’s mission. That collective stability helped strengthen the community, which culminated in Christopher Columbus High School’s recognition by Cognia as a School of Distinction.

Students experience that culture every day. The all-boys environment fosters a brotherhood where young men encourage one another, embrace accountability and celebrate each other’s growth. Our students are challenged to pursue excellence at the highest level, academically and athletically, while being reminded that achievement carries its greatest value when matched by humility, respect and compassion for others.

Learning Through Presence and Collaboration

A school’s greatest asset is its culture, and for me, sustaining it rests on collaborative servant leadership. Teachers, students and families grow strongest when they learn and work together rather than in separate lanes. Programs and policies are important, but they are only as effective as the culture of trust and accountability that supports them.

“When teachers feel supported, families feel respected and young men feel noticed, that is when a school becomes a community.”

Being present also means listening with intention. Through surveys, regular focus groups and ongoing conversations with students, families and faculty, we gain a clearer understanding of the emerging needs and make thoughtful decisions on where the community needs greater support. Those conversations, together with the data we collect, help guide intentional, strategic decisions and reinforce our commitment to continuous improvement.

This process of listening, evaluating and refining our approach strengthens our school community while continually reinforcing the importance of student agency. When young men have a genuine voice in their school, they become active participants in their own academic, spiritual and social development.

That sense of community extends well beyond graduation. Families remain active partners throughout each student’s educational journey, while alumni return as mentors, sharing their experiences and opening doors to future opportunities. Student participation in externships is made possible entirely through alumni connections, creating a direct link between classroom learning and professional life. These enduring relationships provide the next generation with valuable real-world perspectives and keep the spirit of brotherhood alive, even after students leave Columbus.

Preparing Young Men for Tomorrow

Preparing students for lifelong success requires preparing them for a world that never stands still. As technology changes the way people learn, work and connect, our responsibility is to ensure students graduate with the adaptability, critical thinking and interpersonal skills to thrive in college, their careers and life. Every student receives both a MacBook and an iPad on the first day of school to build the confidence and fluency to navigate multiple platforms. Our focus is on creating learning experiences that reflect the environments students will encounter beyond graduation and provide meaningful, real-world application of what they learn in the classroom.

Keeping educators equipped to match that pace matters equally. Through CTECH, our teacher-to-teacher professional development program, educators continuously mentor one another, share expertise and ensure technology is integrated thoughtfully into the classroom. Investing in teacher growth and empowering educators to learn from one another has become one of the strongest drivers of innovation across our campus. That same collaborative spirit leads our approach to AI. Rather than resisting change, we choose to learn alongside our teachers and students, embracing new tools with curiosity, purpose and thoughtful application.

Throughout it all, our Catholic Marist identity remains the compass. As the world changes, one of our greatest responsibilities is discovering meaningful ways to share our faith with each new generation. Innovation will continue to shape education, but our mission remains the same.

Relationships That Define Our Mission

If my years in education have confirmed anything, it is that strong schools thrive on genuine relationships that help every student feel known, supported and challenged to grow. They develop through daily habits, a strong work ethic and leaders who model the values they hope to instill. Young men pay close attention to what they see every day, which is why presence matters. Our Marist educators understand and embrace that we are not only expected to teach, but we have a responsibility to guide, lead and mentor throughout the educational process.

At Columbus, the Marist pillars of presence, family spirit, love of work, simplicity and “in the way of Mary” shape the way we lead and the environment we nurture every day. They remind us to be present for our students, cultivate a sense of belonging, approach our work with purpose and humility and remain grounded in the faith that guides our community. I see those values reflected every time I walk these hallways, where faith, brotherhood and confidence in the potential of every young man guide everything we do.

That is why I remain optimistic about the future of Columbus. Watching our students grow into principled young men who leave Columbus prepared to serve others, carrying the values of this community with them, is the deepest privilege of my career and an honor I never take for granted.