Ashley Wardlaw, principal of Blue Ridge High School, has been named the 2026 South Carolina Secondary Principal of the Year by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators. Wardlaw, who has been principal for four years and is an alumna of the school, was surprised with the recognition at an assembly. In her time as principal, she has focused on community engagement efforts, including the Ridge Nation initiative, which organizes events to foster connection between the school and the surrounding community. Wardlaw will now compete for the title of National Secondary Principal of the Year.