Community comes together for Kim Hardwick

She was a passionate, caring leader, whose impact can still be felt throughout the halls of Clayton Huey.

Though she was not a resident of Center Moriches, Kim Hardwick was as much a member of the Center Moriches family as could be. In fact, oftentimes, she was its leader.

A mourning community of parents, students, and teachers gathered on the lawn of Hardwick’s second home, Clayton Huey Elementary, on May 14 to pay homage to the leader, mother, and friend, who died suddenly in April at age 50 due to complications from surgery.

“She was a passionate, caring leader, whose impact can still be felt throughout the halls of Clayton Huey,” said Dennis Licci, acting principal of Clayton Huey Elementary.

There were dozens of emotional young students in the crowd during the memorial, suddenly, probably not for the first time, realizing the hole that Hardwick has left in the community. Often, when students are known by the principal, it’s either for great or bad reasons, more often the latter. But Hardwick, students and teachers said, took the time to get to know the people around her and showed compassion and a drive to help them realize their best selves. Hardwick was seen as an inspiring figure even to 10-year-olds, who appreciated her positive posted messages, like “help someone, even when they can’t help you back.” That statement and those gestures were the embodiment of Hardwick’s presence. She called students “rock stars” and offered high-fives and hugs in the hallways, as if pepping up her team to take on the day.

“Mrs. Hardwick taught us to believe in ourselves and to have self-love, and we will remember her and that for the rest of our lives,” said Madison Bennett, a fifth-grade student who had a special relationship with Hardwick.

It wasn’t just the boss that Kim Hardwick was—though teachers agreed she hated that word—but the friend that was there for everyone. Hardwick told her staff to “live it,” choose courage over comfort, and sometimes more bluntly, “Put on your big-girl pants.” Whichever phrase she chose to use, those on the receiving end tended to listen.

“Everyone deserves a friend like Kim,” said Danielle Sirico, a kindergarten teacher at Clayton Huey.

One day, Sirico called in sick to take care of her son, also at a time when life was just a bit too much—but then Hardwick called. She asked to drop by Sirico’s house for a quick brainstorm about a beautification project. Reluctantly, Sirico agreed, unknowing that when she opened the door, her principal would be joined by the superintendent and a bouquet of flowers, beaming to tell her that she was the winner of the SCOPE Award. Sirico said Hardwick often saw things in her that she didn’t see herself.

Hardwick’s family also joined in the ceremony, giving a deeper look into how Hardwick wasn’t just an exceptional school leader, but a family-lover who somehow found new hours in the day to host gatherings, spend time with her husband and kids, and volunteer to help others.

“I know Kim lived a life that made her happy,” said Donna Mandella, Hardwick’s older sister. “And for that, I am grateful.”

Hardwick married Christopher Honor in 2002, and had four children, Emma, Hannah, Korrey and Jourdan.

“She always wanted to make sure that your kids were kind and passionate individuals,” Honor said of Hardwick’s passion for the Clayton Huey community.