Schools

Former Edison Guidance Counselor Dies Unexpectedly Tuesday

WPHS Principal Cliff Hardison was an educator for almost 40 years and previously served as guidance counselor at Edison and assistant principal at Hayfield. Students painted the rock outside of WPHS in his honor.

After the death of West Potomac High School's Principal Cliff Hardison, friends and students took to Twitter and Facebook to honor the man who served as a leader for the school since 2009.

When Assistant Superintendent Deborah Tyler wrote and sent a letter to inform families of Hardison's death Tuesday, a small group of current students and alumni went to the school to paint the rock in his honor. Among the group was senior class president Sarah McKeown, 2013-2014 student body president Mary Hill, Joe Quinn and Katie Garay (class of 2013) and Nell McKeown (class of 2012). Along with colorful handprints, the rock now reads, "United for Mr. Hardison," "We Love You" and "Forever a Wolverine."

Hardison was a West Springfield High School graduate and was an educator for almost 40 years. FCPS School Board member Ryan McElveen recently described Hardison in his blog as personifying "precisely what FCPS aims to instill in its graduates — a dedication to the community, a genuine love for all people he came across, and a well-rounded personality that included a love of running and the outdoors."

Before becoming WPHS principal, Cliff Hardison was a guidance counselor at Edison High School and West Potomac and an assistant principal at Hayfield Secondary School.

Hardison worked in Lee District when he was at Edison and Hayfield and some of the district's students attended WPHS while he was there. Supervisor Jeff McKay issued a statement after the new of Hardison's death.

"West Potomac High School has always had a number of Lee District students and so I've always shared the high regard in which Principal Hardison was held," he said. "This is truly a loss for our entire community and my heart goes out to his family, students, and colleagues who will miss his guidance and friendship. Cliff Hardison leaves a strong legacy of excellence, creativity and caring."

Like his faculty and fellow colleagues, Hardison's students also remember him as an inspirational and influential leader. WPHS sophomores Christian Simmons and Alim Kamara said they did not know him as long as other students but still felt an impact from his leadership.

"He always greeted his students with a smile. He was always happy and he wasn't mean," Simmons said. "He was a good person."

"Every day he was ready to teach students. Everyone is going to miss him for what he did best," Kamara said. "You're in a better place now Mr. Hardison."

Hardison was also a huge influence for Jeremiah Davis, supporting him in his first season as head coach.

"He was a good principal. He was very fair and very giving," Davis said. "Personally, he did a lot for me. He gave me my first opportunity to be a head football coach and anything we needed he was there for us. I was just telling the team that we will attend and represent him and this school at the memorial."

Currently information about a memorial service for Hardison is unknown. An FCPS Crisis Team will be available starting Wednesday to support WPHS staff and students. If these services are needed, parents, staff and students are encouraged to contact the school.

Share your memories of Principal Hardison in the comment section below.


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