COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — In a heartfelt ceremony, three former principals of Hardaway High School were given high honors — their names forever engraved on the school’s newest offices.
In the ceremony that dedicated the school’s renovated counselor’s office, discipline office and new front offices, guests shared emotional and funny stories about former principals Roger Hatcher (1986-1999), Keith Seifert (1999-2005) and Matt Bell (2005-2020).
Hardaway High’s improvements focused on enhancing learning facilities and making the school safer. The Muscogee County School District used E-SPLOST sales tax to complete the changes.
Hardaway High, standing for 60 years, was noted by the district as a school that needed a facelift. The current principal, Maurdrice McNeil, said the renovations began after spring break last school year and were finished about a month ago.
“I think the sense of pride that there haven’t been any new renovations here in quite a while. So just the pride that we have, separates us from other schools.” said Principal McNeil.
Even though the renovated offices and polished new additions shine bright throughout the school, what stands out the most is the pride still held by Hardaway’s previous leadership.
Nearly all their speeches included gratitude for the school, appreciation for the experiences and a booming “Go Hawks!”
Bell, who was principal for 15 years and now serves as an MCSD regional chief officer, supervising 18 schools, noted why the stories and the ceremony meant so much to him personally.
“The guidance office is very significant,” Bell said. “Building relationships is a very important part of my career and everything that we do. This is a people business, and a lot of great things happen in the guidance counselor’s office, so I’m deeply honored to have the guidance counselor’s suite named after me.”
The new additions to the school also have some current students excited.
“To me this ceremony just shows me how I am a part of a legacy,” said senior and Miss Hardaway Za’Nyla Douglas. “Through all the principals that care for the students and how much dedication and time they put into us. For the school, it shows a reflection of the history that this school has endured and how much progress they’ve made.”
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