Administration

Meet Our Principal - Dr. Sonji B. Leach

Hello Warrior Nation! I am so excited to be a part of the Whale Branch Community and School Cluster.

I am Dr. Sonji Leach and have been in education for 33 years. I have served in various roles as a teacher, basketball coach, athletic director, assistant principal, principal, coordinator, and director of school improvement. My administrative experience includes principal roles in Georgia at Swainsboro High School and Southwest Middle School. Also, I have held interim principal roles at Alfred Ely Beach High School in Savannah and at Beaufort High School. Additional administrative positions held in Columbia, SC include serving as Senior Executive Administrator at Allen University and Coordinator of Administrative Services for Richland County School District. In addition, I have held the role of Director of School Improvement in the Savannah-Chatham County public school system. I hold a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Argosy University in Atlanta, an educational specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Lincoln Memorial University, and a master’s degree in Middle Grades Education from Georgia Southern University.

As the principal of WBECHS, my mission is to provide students with quality instruction in a safe, loving environment. I will ensure that students are given every opportunity to be actively involved with various school activities while maintaining academic excellence. I want parents, community leaders/organizations, and businesses to partner and collaborate to provide teachers and students with the best educational experience.

Dr. Sonji Leach can be reached by email (Sonji.Leach@beaufort.k12.sc.us) or phone: 843-466-2700.

Warriors on the M.O.V.E (Moving Our Village to Excellence)!!!

Amann Holden

Mr. Amann Holden is the assistant principal at Warrior Nation. Mr. Holden was born in Milwaukee, WI and spent the early years of his life in New York City prior to relocating to Orangeburg, SC where he graduated from Orangeburg Wilkerson High School. Mr. Holden continued his education and graduated (with honors) with his bachelor's degree in Middle Level Education (Mathematics and Social Studies). Upon receiving his degree, he moved to the Tri-County area and spent 14 years teaching math and working in administration as an Academy Coach, Testing Coordinator and Adult Education Supervisor with the Berkeley County School District. Within that time, Mr. Holden went on to further his education and received (with honors) his Master of Education in Administration and Supervision, graduating with a 3.9 GPA. He is a proud father of one and has continued his amazing journey in education as the Assistant Principal of Whale Branch Early College High School.

Mr. Holden can be reached at Amann.Holden@beaufort.k12.sc.us or phone: 843-466-2795.

Freda McCanick

Freda McCanick is an accomplished educator with a passion for literacy and education administration. With a Masters in Literacy and Education Administration, she has dedicated over two decades of her life to the field of education, making a profound impact on students and her community.

Freda's journey in education began sixteen years ago, primarily in the public school system. She served as an English Language Arts (ELA) teacher at Whale Branch Early College High School for six years, where she brought her expertise and enthusiasm for literacy to her students. Her commitment to fostering a love for literature and language in her pupils has left a lasting legacy.

In addition to her role as an ELA teacher, Freda McCanick also demonstrated her dedication to student development by serving as the Varsity Cheerleading Coach at Whale Branch for five years. Through this role, she not only motivated her students to excel in academics but also encouraged them to achieve their best on the cheerleading field, instilling discipline, teamwork, and a strong work ethic.

Freda holds a Bachelor's degree in English, which serves as the foundation for her comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Her academic background, combined with her experience in education and administration, has made her an invaluable asset to the educational community.

Freda McCanick's commitment to education, her students, and her school is a testament to her unwavering dedication to the betterment of young minds. She continues to inspire and empower the next generation, leaving an indelible mark on the world of education.

Mrs. McCanick can be reached at Freda.Mccanick@beaufort.k12.sc.us or phone: 843-466-2811.