During a Garden City Board of Education work session Monday, June 14, Hank Hardy was appointed principal of Garden City High School, effective July 19. Since July 1999, Hardy has been assistant principal at George W. Hewlett High School. He has served as administrative assistant at West Hollow Middle School from 1998 to 1999 and was at Half Hollow School East from 1987 to December 1997 as a guidance counselor.

Hardy joined the staff of Hofstra University in 1983 as assistant director of admissions and moved on to the position of assistant dean of students and judicial coordinator until 1987.

Hardy began his career in education in 1987 as director of admissions at North Carolina Wesleyan College where he received a BA in political science. He holds an MS in counselor education from Hofstra University, a professional diploma in educational administration from LIU/C.W. Post College. He is a doctoral candidate in educational administration at Hofstra University.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stephen Leitman spoke about Hardy as being a man with strong values of honesty and integrity. "When you hear so much about the shortage of good administrators, Garden City is very fortunate to find an administrator who brings more and more integrity that we expect all administrators to have," he said.

Board of Education President Kenneth Monaghan welcomed Hardy to the team and spoke enthusiastically about having him at the high school.

Hardy considers the position an honor. "Right now it is a dream come true to be here in Garden City. The reputation is outstanding and the community involvement is second to none. It is going to be an honor to be a part of the Garden City family," he said.

"I look forward to many years working with the Garden City community and with our children, which is exactly why I went into education to begin with. So when you hear me use the phrase, 'my children' don't take it the wrong way, they are my kids and that is how they are going to be treated and that is how they are going to be respected."

John Okulski is retiring at the end of the month after serving 12 years as the high school's principal.