Hardy implemented the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP) during the fall of 2018. The program focuses on fourth through twelfth graders and is designed to improve education performance. Michael Cooke, the physical education teacher at Hardy Elementary, serves as the coach of the program. All fourth graders are exposed to archery through their physical education class. Students interested in the archery team stay after school for additional practice time.
“Having been a NASP Instructor since 2007, I have seen the positive impact it has on students,” said Cooke. “It gives them a sense of belonging. It provides them a reason to want to come to school and be successful.”
Hardy Elementary is the only school in Isle of Wight County currently offering an archery program for students.