Stephanie Johnson Ard has been named the new principal at Latta Middle School for the 2020-2021 school year. She is a Latta High School graduate of the Class of 2003. She is a Latta native and spent all of her years in Latta Schools. She was a member of the marching band, volleyball team, basketball team, and softball team during high school.
Mrs. Ard received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Clemson University in 2007. Mrs. Ard returned to Latta after graduation at Clemson and taught 5th grade Math and Science at Latta Elementary School for six years. She was appointed Assistant Principal at Latta Elementary School in 2013 where she worked for a year before her administration transferred to Latta Middle School. She has served as an Assistant Principal at Latta Middle School for the past six years. Mrs. Ard also accepted the head softball coaching position at Latta High School in 2013 and coached the Lady Vikings for six years. During her time as head coach, the Lady Vikings won three Lower State Championships and two State Championships.
Mrs. Ard has a Master’s degree in Learning Disabilities from Francis Marion University and a Master’s degree in Administration from Winthrop University.
Starting her fourteenth year in Latta, Mrs. Ard is happy to have this opportunity to serve.
“Latta has always been my home. Even after venturing away from ‘home’ to go to college and to travel, something always draws me back to Latta. I love our small town community, and I am so thankful to serve in the town that that I love so much with families that I grew up with. I believe that all children can learn, and all children have something to offer to our world to make it a better place. It is my mission to make Latta Middle School the best it can be and continue with the tradition of academic success that Latta Schools are known for. I am blessed to have an outstanding faculty and staff who are dedicated to their profession and students, and I know that even in these uncertain times, we will rise above these challenges and make this one of the best school years yet. Go Vikings!”
Mrs. Ard and her husband Brooks are the proud parents of their son Hunter who will be turning a year old very soon.
Mrs. Ard loves her family, and she considers them one of her greatest treasures.
