Administration
Mr. Hugh Scott- Principal
Mr. Scott has over 15 years of experience in education, with one year as Principal at Tar River Academy and four years as Assistant Principal of Southern Nash High School. This is Hugh Scott's 6th year as principal at SNHS. Scott has a Master of School Administration from North Carolina State University. Mr. Scott is currently working on his doctoral degree from East Carolina University and the Project I4 program. While in Nash County Public Schools, he has served as a teacher, curriculum coach, and professional development coordinator for the district before moving into an administrative role. In the 2020-21 school year, Mr. Scott was recognized as the Nash County Public Schools Principal of the Year.
"I am grateful to serve as principal of Southern Nash High and lead a staff of great and growing educators. I strive to take our school to the next level to continue a long tradition of greatness. I believe that ALL of our students have the potential to be GREAT! Our students must embrace their experiences, respond appropriately to challenges, and learn their academic content and valuable character traits to be competitive in this growing global society! I look forward to working with our students and pushing them in their realization of their full potential!"
Ms. Sonya Horton- Assistant Principal
Ms. Horton is starting her 17th year in education. Ms. Horton served as an elementary PE teacher for 10 years, while also coaching High School Volleyball at Hunt. She is starting her 7th year in administration, where she served 4 years at the elementary level and 2 years at the high school level in Wilson County Schools. Ms. Horton is excited about joining the Firebird Family, and building positive relationships with the staff, students, families, and community. In her spare time, Ms. Horton enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling (especially to the beach), and watching sports.
Mr. Gavin Meiring- Assistant Principal
My name is Gavin Meiring and I am excited to be a part of the Firebird family. I have 20 years of experience as an educator. I was born and raised in South Africa where I graduated from High School as well as received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from the University of Stellenbosch. I began my career in education as an Elementary School teacher and later on as a High School Afrikaans (my first language) teacher. In 2004, I relocated to the United States where I first started teaching at Middlesex Elementary School and then Red Oak Middle School where I taught 6th Grade Social Studies as well as coached boys and girls soccer. In 2013, I earned my Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from The American College of Education. I have served as Assistant Principal at Forest Hills Middle School, Fike High School, and most recently Hunt High School. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my beautiful family, playing golf, watching rugby, cricket, soccer, and football (Go Cowboys) I am looking forward to working with the Firebird students, families, and staff as we continue to do what best for students every day.
Ms. Aretha Battle- Assistant Principal
Ms. Battle has served as an educator in Nash County for the past seven years. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education (K-6) in 2012 and her Master's Degree in School Administration in 2019 from East Carolina University. Ms. Battle taught Kindergarten, 1st Grade and 2nd Grade at Red Oak Elementary. Also, she served as the Assistant Basketball Coach to Southern Nash High's Varsity Girls' Basketball Team from 2009-2015 and the Junior Varsity Head Coach for the Nash Central High Volleyball Team from 2016-2017.
Ms. Battle truly believes that this administrative opportunity will help her to lead and be a positive asset to the school. She is passionate about helping students accomplish their academic and social goals by supporting their needs and building genuine relationships with them. Ms. Battle is very excited about beginning her administrative career at Southern Nash High School and looks forward to working with the students, staff members, and families in the community.
Mr. Hugh Scott
Ms. Sonya Horton
Mr. Gavin Meiring
Ms. Aretha Battle