Stuart Hardy named Bibb County Teacher of the Year for 2025–2026

Hardy, the Executive Chef Instructor at Hutchings, was honored for his leadership in culinary education and student-run programs.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Stuart Hardy of W.S. Hutchings College & Career Academy has been named the 2025-2026 Bibb County School District Teacher of the Year, according to a news release from the district.

The announcement came Thursday during the district’s annual Convocation at the Macon Coliseum.

Hardy, who serves as the Executive Chef Instructor at Hutchings, has worked in the district since 2016 and was previously named a finalist for the award during the 2021-2022 school year.

According to the release, Hardy has played a key role in launching several student-led programs, including the Compass Rose Café, a meal kit initiative, the Mac Shack food truck and a catering service.

Cherene Lewis of Sonny Carter Elementary School was named runner-up for this year’s award.

Finalists also included Aaron Allen of Bruce Elementary School, Dr. Luciana Green of Central High School and Dan Hall of Howard High School.

All school-level Teachers of the Year will be honored at an event this fall, along with District Counselor of the Year Dr. Latesha Dixon-Harden of John R. Lewis Elementary School, Media Specialist of the Year NeAnn W. Bundrage of Ballard-Hudson Middle School and Social Worker of the Year Rushunda Jones.