Candlelight Vigil To Honor Beloved Elementary School Principal

CENTER MORICHES, NY — The community will gather Tuesday night for a candlelight vigil to honor Clayton Huey Elementary School Principal Kim Hardwick, who died last month at the age of 50.

The event, which begins Tuesday night at 8:30 p.m. on the front lawn of Clayton Huey, is open to all Center Moriches staff, students and community members, the Center Moriches School District said.

Candles will be provided to all who attend. "We hope to see many of you there. Thank you all for your continued support for our Clayton Huey family," the district said.

The Center Moriches School District has been cloaked in mourning after Hardwick's sudden passing.

According to her obituary, "Kim Hardwick/Honor, 50, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 15, 2019. Kim was born on March 14, 1969 to parents Iris Ryan and Donald Hardwick.

"Kim married the love of her life, Chris Honor, on March 29, 2002. Kim was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend who will be remembered for her endless kindness, loving heart, and positivity.

"Kim is survived by her husband Chris, her four children; Emma, Hannah, Korrey and Jourdan, her siblings, Donna and Donald Jr. and her parents, Iris Ryan and Susan Hardwick. She is predeceased by her father, Donald Hardwick.

"Kim was a go-getter. She was known to go after what she wanted and worked hard to manifest a variety of amazing experiences to ensure she was living her best life every day. Kim was extremely passionate about her work in education; she inspired many and brought life and fun to the classroom. Kim is also known for her dedication in working with the organization, LEAP, which works to expand educational opportunities through literacy and school improvement.

"Kim also had a vivacious spirit which was matched by her compassion for others that often brought people together, specifically for karaoke. Kim was fiercely independent and strong and was a role model for many. Kim loved everything she did, but nothing was more important to her than her family.

"As a mother, she was empowering and she gave everything she had to her girls and her husband. Kim worked to be a positive person and believed in the power of the universe. Oprah Winfrey once said, 'The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.' Kim certainly tried her best to live the life of her dreams as much as possible."

In lieu of flowers, in honor of Kim, please make a donation to LEAP (Literacy Empowerment Action Project) for Ghana by visiting leapglobal.com. After making your donation in honor of Kim please send her name to leap@marthabeck.com.

Center Moriches School Superintendent Russell Stewart sent a message to the community after the district's unspeakable loss: "Mrs. Hardwick was an exceptional person. Her passion for life, kids, and education could not be rivaled. Positivity, creativity, and productivity predominated and reigned in her being. She was always ahead of the game, and dedicated herself to promoting and producing excellence in all aspects within, and outside her field," he said.

"Everywhere she went, and every ear she caught was going to leave a little more encouraged and challenged. Mrs. Hardwick was a very giving person, also giving of her time, and was always there for anyone who needed her. She had a heart for those less fortunate, especially children, always going above and beyond to make sure all students had equal opportunity, and any student needs were acknowledged and attended to with speed. There would be no child left behind with Mrs. Hardwick around."

And, Stewart added: "Mrs. Hardwick was a teacher at heart, with a great passion for life, and imparted knowledge wherever she went. Life is precious, and every day to be treasured, and Mrs. Hardwick lived by, and demonstrated those convictions. As the Word of God implores, '...teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom,' may we heed the psalmist's admonition and exhortation. As we fondly remember and muse upon the heart-wrenching passing of an extraordinary educator, administrator, mother, wife, friend, and colleague, may we thoughtfully and heartfully ponder the words of our Creator.

"Mrs. Hardwick's passing will leave an emptiness that cannot be filled, and a silence that cannot be quelled. She will forever be remembered and missed," he said.

Parents and the community turned to social media to mourn their great loss after Hardwick's passing, many wondering tearfully how they would tell their children, who loved her so.

"We were sad to hear the news of Kim Hardwick's passing," said Keith Caputo of the Helping Makes U Happy organization. "She was a great friend to me, to Mom, and to Helping Makes U Happy. She had so much energy, so much positivity, and was all about promoting helping and kindness. Kim made you feel like you were her hero when, in fact, she was all of ours."