The South Carolina Association of School Administrators named Ashley Wardlaw, the principal at Blue Ridge High School, as 2026 South Carolina Secondary Principal of the Year.
Wardlaw was selected for the honor based on criteria set by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, which includes a rigorous nomination process, peer reviews and interviews.
“What a tremendous and well-deserved recognition of Principal Wardlaw’s leadership and dedication to the students, staff and community of Blue Ridge High School,” said Superintendent Burke Royster. “Her commitment to creating a positive learning environment and culture of student success is evident in the many achievements Blue Ridge High has experienced under her leadership.”
In 2025, Blue Ridge High School was recognized at the Superintendent’s Academic Achievement Awards for achieving the Overall Highest Academic Performance Among High Schools and the Overall Highest Academic Growth Among High Schools. It was also named among the top 10% of schools with the highest performance in biology, algebra 1 and English 2, and the top 10% of schools with the highest growth in biology, algebra 1 and English 2.
During her tenure, the school’s graduation rate has increased from 84% in 2024 to 91.8% in 2025.
