By Emma Shuster

    Walter Hardy, longtime coach, teacher, administrator, and mentor in Montgomery County Public Schools for over 25 years, suddenly died after collapsing while at Sherwood on September 2.  

    Hardy became athletic director at Sherwood on July 1. In the short time that he was present at Sherwood, Hardy had an impact on many and had already formed bonds with colleagues, coaches, students, athletes, and parents. Football coach Chris Grier told the Washington Post,  “He came in every single day in my office or out on the field, always happy, always joking around. He was a joy to be around, honestly, just a breath of fresh air. I’m going to miss him, we were really looking forward to a number of years with him. It’s a shame, and hurts a lot.”

    There will be a viewing on Friday, September 8, at the Borgwardt Funeral Home in Beltsville, Maryland. A Celebration of Life will also be held Saturday, September 9, at Paint Branch High School in Burtonsville, Maryland.

    Hardy will be missed greatly. As of right now, Bonnie Gilchrist is the acting Athletic Director for the school year and Marc Thomas will take over for Gilchrist as the department head of physical education and health.