West Potomac Principal Unexpectedly Dies Tuesday

West Potomac High School's principal Cliff Hardison died Tuesday after complications from a recent illness. According to John Torre with FCPS, when they learned of Hardison's passing, Assistant Superintendent Deborah Tyler wrote and sent a letter to inform families of West Potomac students.

An announcement was recently posted on the school's website about Hardison passing away, describing the principal as "a caring and thoughtful person who inspired all who knew him. His death will leave a void that can never entirely be filled.  Those who knew Cliff understood him to be a person of integrity, always anxious to help, whose life and dedication to his students, staff and community were an inspiration to all of us."

Hardison has been an educator for almost 40 years and served as principal for West Potomac High School since 2009. Patch readers have recently emailed us to say many students gathered to paint the WPHS rock in front of the school in honor of Hardison.

Head Football Coach Jeremiah Davis said Hardison gave him his first shot at as a football coach and he and his team will represent him at the memorial when it is scheduled.

"He was a good principal. He was very fair and very giving," Davis said. "Personally, he did a lot for me. He gave me my first opportunity to be a head football coach and anything we needed he was there for us. I was just telling the team that we will attend and represent him and this school at the memorial."

An FCPS Crisis Team will be available starting Wednesday to support WPHS staff and students. If these services are needed, parents, staff and students are encouraged to contact the school.