This Lexington-Richland District 5 high school has a new principal with Midlands ties

One of the Midlands' largest high schools has a new leader.

That's because Irmo High School will have a new principal at the end of this school year. Dr. Robin Hardy was named the new principal by Lexington-Richland School District Five on Tuesday.

A veteran educator, Hardy currently serves as principal of Hand Middle School in Columbia. She will take the lead role at Irmo High beginning July 1.

“I am honored to have been selected as principal of Irmo High School with its long standing tradition of success in academics, the arts, and athletics,” Hardy said in a news release. “I look forward to empowering and engaging the Irmo and District Five communities with an unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Hardy began as a high school English and drama teacher at Camden High School in Kershaw County, where she later served as an assistant principal from 2004-05. She also served at several schools in Richland 2 , including Dent Middle School, where she was assistant principal, and Blythewood High School, where she held the roles of lead teacher and summer school principal.

“Dr. Hardy is a proven leader and a visionary," current District 5 Superintendent Dr. Stephen Hefner said in a news release. "She joins a team of world-class principals in School District Five, and her selection is a continuation of our commitment to put the best in our schools. We look forward to having her in this new and important role.”

Hardy earned both her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the University of South Carolina. Hardy received her doctorate in educational leadership in 2010 from Nova Southern University.

Among her awards and honors, Hardy has been named the South Carolina Council of Teachers of English (SCCTE) Outstanding Administrator for 2017-2018.

“Dr. Hardy’s extensive educational and professional background at several Midlands area high schools and middle schools make her an ideal fit for the job,” District Five Superintendent-elect Dr. Christina Melton said in a news release. “She knows how to execute a school’s vision, and we have no doubt she’ll continue Irmo High School’s ‘Proud Past and Bright Future’ legacy.

"We’re excited to welcome Dr. Hardy to the team.”

This story was originally published March 13, 2018 at 9:05 PM with the headline "This Lexington-Richland District 5 high school has a new principal with Midlands ties."