Nominations sought for the 2026 Julia Hardy Award

ASHEBORO —Nominations are being accepted for the 2026 Julia Hardy Award.

The annual award was established by the Russell E. Murphy Camps in memory of Julia Ella Morgan Hardy, who spent 45 years teaching in Randolph County schools. Her teaching philosophy was “to provide a variety of unique and fun learning experiences so that each child will develop a desire for knowledge.”

Applications for nominations are being accepted until March 26. Please have applications submitted to Willie Gladden at gladdw04@highpoint.edu or call him at 336-706-0923.

Those who qualify for this honor must have gone above and beyond in helping young African American women in their development and growth as they pursue the journey of education and womanhood. Qualifications for the award are modeled after ideals Hardy spent most of her life exhibiting and encouraging in the Asheboro East Side Community.

After finishing college, Hardy taught for five years in Blacksburg, Va., before moving to North Carolina and teaching an additional 40 years at Trinity Elementary School (five years), Liberty Elementary School (one year) and Ramseur Elementary School (34 years).

During her tenure in Ramseur, she was awarded the honor of Teacher of the Year three times. Hardy had a genuine love for children — not just for their education but their overall well-being.

Her teaching philosophy was “to provide a variety of unique and fun learning experiences so that each child will develop a desire for knowledge.” Her enthusiasm for and love of teaching made a lasting impression on every child she encountered. She never met a child she did not love.