Contributed

When talking to Randy Hardigree, you know where his passion lies — family, singing and showing others that he cares. As a 23-year veteran teacher, his LaGrange High biology and environmental science students know he is there when they need him.

Prior to teaching, Hardigree was in the business world and commuted to Atlanta from LaGrange, but his family was here in Troup County. When commuting became too cumbersome, it made sense for him to begin his new career in the same place he and his family had settled down. That’s when he settled on Troup County School System.

“I never have to leave work wondering if I made a difference in the world,” Hardigree said.

This past summer, he participated in the Harvard Project Zero professional development course. To help his students reach success inside and outside of the classroom he tries to help them become aware of where they are on their road to understanding.

“I work hard to show them that I care about their well-being and success,” Hardigree said. “I try to know them personally and take into account the variables that may be road blocks in their lives.”

Hardigree says when he is not building relationships with his students, he can be found singing.

“I was involved in band and chorus throughout high school and continued signing throughout my college years,” Hardigree said. “That’s how I met my wife – we sang together at Auburn University.”

He credits his wife, Stacey McCord Hardigree, with introducing him to Troup County because this is where he moved after college.

“Stacey and I have been married for 27 years,” Hardigree said. “She is the love of my life, and she directs the Young Singers of West Georgia and is the worship director at our church.”

The music and teaching bug doesn’t stop with the Hardigrees though.

“I have three daughters and one is studying to become a teacher,” Hardigree said. “Our entire family is heavily involved in music in the community and at church. Aside from that, I enjoy fixing things around the house and investing in family and friends.”

For the students at LaGrange High, he has seen the investment materialize for over two decades.

“Every day I am hopefully helping my students move one step closer to being responsible, thoughtful members of the community they choose to live in,” Hardigree said.

Troup County School System is an accredited educational system with over 11,900 students in grades K-12. TCSS does offer a free Pre-K program at each elementary school. The system is comprised of eleven elementary schools, three middle schools, three high schools, one college and career academy, and one alternative learning center. Students within the school system are taught a rigorous and relevant curriculum that helps them make college and career choices beyond graduation and succeed in life. The system 2017 graduation rate rose 6.6 percentage points in three years to 78.0 percent. To learn more about Troup County School System, visit troup.org and the Troup County School System Facebook page.