Dr. Nakia Hardy Receives the TIP Aspire Award for Educational Leadership
Superintendent Dr. Nakia Hardy has been honored with the TIP Aspire Award, a prestigious recognition presented by The Innovation Project (TIP). This award celebrates exceptional leaders in North Carolina who are driving educational transformation through innovative practices and a commitment to student success. Dr. Hardy’s leadership exemplifies a great sense of urgency, early success, and promising leadership in navigating complex change.
Dr. Hardy’s award is a testament to her efforts in prioritizing student achievement, wellness, and community partnerships. Under her guidance, Lexington City Schools has made significant strides in programs that prepare students for success in an ever-evolving world.
Notably, SparkNC, under Dr. Hardy's leadership, has become a standout program offering students hands-on experience in robotics, app development, and AI. The program connects classroom learning to real-world challenges, paving the way for careers in STEAM fields. A recent highlight was winning the Team Synergy Award at Apple’s Raleigh headquarters for exceptional collaboration and innovation.
“I am truly honored to receive the TIP Aspire Award. This recognition reflects the collective dedication and diligent work of our entire Lexington City Schools community,” said Dr. Hardy. “We are deeply committed to creating an environment where every student is empowered to thrive and achieve their dreams.”
In addition to SparkNC, Dr. Hardy has expanded career readiness programs in partnership with Davidson-Davie Community College, increasing the number of students earning industry-recognized certifications. Her leadership has also helped raise the district's FAFSA completion rate to 55.09%, surpassing the state average. Furthermore, Dr. Hardy successfully implemented the district’s five-year Strategic Plan (2024-2029), which is already yielding promising outcomes in student engagement, and community collaboration.
Sean Gaillard Named to ISTE+ASCD’s “20 to Watch” for Innovation in Education
In another exciting recognition, Sean Gaillard, Principal of Charles England Elementary, has been named a recipient of the ISTE+ASCD “20 to Watch” award. This prestigious national accolade celebrates 20 visionary leaders who are making a significant impact on the future of education by leveraging technology to improve teaching and learning.
Sean’s leadership at Charles England Elementary has focused on fostering a Whole Child Culture, empowering staff, and driving instructional excellence. His innovative approach to education has created an environment where creativity, student voice, and inclusion are key elements of the school culture.
“I’m humbled by this recognition, and it motivates me to continue pushing for even more growth for our students and staff at Charles England Elementary,” said Gaillard. “This is a collective effort, and we are all part of a bigger movement to make education work for every child.”
Mr. Gaillard will be recognized this June at the ISTE+ASCD Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas.
Together, We Thrive in the Hive
Both of these prestigious awards reflect the growing momentum and commitment to excellence within Lexington City Schools, where leadership, student-centered education, and community partnerships are central to the district’s success. Dr. Hardy and Mr. Gaillard’s work embodies the district’s vision to “prepare every student to achieve their aspirations in a rapidly changing world.”
The recognition also aligns with the district’s Board-approved Strategic Plan (2024-2029), which focuses on driving excellence in instructional innovation, investing in staff, and building strong community connections.
About Lexington City Schools
Lexington City Schools serves a diverse and growing student population in Lexington, NC. The district is committed to providing high-quality, innovative educational experiences for all students while ensuring a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment.
About The Innovation Project (TIP)
TIP is an organization that supports innovation in public education across North Carolina. It focuses on helping districts transform learning environments to meet the needs of students in the 21st century.
Learn more at https://www.tipnc.org/
About ISTE+ASCD’s “20 to Watch” Program
Presented by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), the “20 to Watch” program honors innovative education leaders who are shaping the future of education by embracing technology, fostering leadership, and inspiring positive change.
Learn more at https://iste.org/awards
