A Hawk's Eye View: February 6, 2026

The Harding Community Code is framed in my office and sits on the counter directly across from my desk. It is also with me every day on the back of my door access keycard. I look at it often and maybe my eye catches just one or two of the tenets, sometimes different ones at different times, but it is consistently there, everpresent, and more importantly, always in action. The code has been woven into the fabric of our community for over 30 years thanks to the hard work of Patti Wright and a group of dedicated faculty on the Faculty Climate Committee who, at the time, wanted to unite our small community around a list of tenets that were then and are now considered one of the core components of the Harding experience.

My observation has been that often our older students look at the code as something more “elementary” in nature and it can tend to fade away from their day-to-day middle school lives. I felt compelled to bring it to life and even more so to do it with their input and with application to athletics. For over ten years, I have been fortunate to lead a group of 8th graders who have chosen to be part of the Athletic Leadership Council (ALC). It is an important connection for me to the kids and the overall student athletic experience at Harding. 

Over the course of the first semester, the ALC worked to take each component of the Harding Community Code and think about how it could be applied in an athletic environment. I am really proud of the students for being thoughtful and intentional working through the Community Code. What was so powerful through this process was the students bringing their personal experience into our dialogue, which made it authentic and meaningful. They thought about how each facet of the Community Code could be linked to the core values of confidence, character, and connection in our athletic mission statement. Below is the product of their work and something these ten students can feel proud of creating that will live on at Harding even after they have gone. 

We believe that being kind in an athletic environment is showing positive support for our teammates during practices and games. We want to be mindful in how we respond in any athletic situation regardless of the result, win or lose. Being aware of our body language, giving grace when mistakes happen, and realizing that how we speak matters are all important characteristics of being kind while wearing the Harding jersey.  

We believe that being honest in an athletic environment means holding ourselves accountable by admitting and accepting mistakes while also learning from them. Having personal integrity is an important characteristic in athletics at Harding. We hope that we can create a space where we can both give and receive constructive criticism and grow together as leaders.  

We believe that being respectful in an athletic environment means displaying good sportsmanship toward our teammates, coaches, opponents, officials, and fans. We know that conflict can and will happen, but we realize that maintaining a level of respect is important. 

We believe that being open in an athletic environment means being coachable and flexible. Being able to receive feedback on how to improve as athletes and teammates is a reflection of an open/growth mindset. Our athletic teams have 6th through 8th graders and so being open to new connections across grade levels is an ingredient for individual and team success. Finally, being open means accepting the possibility of differing opinions from coaches or teammates as well as trying new positions, understanding that the team always comes first. 

We believe that being dependable in an athletic environment means being present. Consistent attendance at practices and games is a reflection of dependability. It also means that you can be trusted by your teammates and coaches to give consistent effort and have a positive attitude on a regular basis. Dependability is a direct reflection of leadership. 

We believe that being a learner in an athletic environment means that you maintain focus and attentiveness during practices while you are being coached. It means that you have the capacity to learn from both your mistakes as well as your successes and make adjustments accordingly. Being a learner can mean having a willingness to try new things (positions, tactics, etc.) and take risks without fearing failure.

We believe that being your best in an athletic environment is a combination of all of the above aspects of the Harding Athletic Community Code. It essentially means being the best version of yourself for your teammates and coaches. Giving maximum effort, displaying good sportsmanship, being a good teammate, having a positive attitude, being present and in the moment and showing a commitment toward improvement are all aspects of being your best for Harding athletics. 

Giving students a voice is important when seeking student buy-in. When they have been a part of creating something, it fosters belief and a level of accountability that can’t be replicated simply from adults demanding it. We often talk about legacy with our 8th graders, leaving a place better than you found it, and making an impact that stands the test of time. These ten members of the Class of 2026 have left their mark in a way that is tangible and from which our entire community can benefit. 

The same can be said for Patti Wright. There is now a building that bears her name, and rightfully so. I, for one, am forever grateful for the work that Patti did leading the Faculty Climate Committee all those years ago. She is the definition of building a lasting legacy and the thing is, Patti wasn’t doing this work so it could be written about 30 years later. She was simply trying to create the best possible environment for teaching and learning. She wanted a better place for our students and faculty, a united community, and a Harding Academy we could all be proud of. I think it's safe to say, she accomplished that goal.