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I grew up in Arlington and attended Arlington Public Schools before going to college in Washington, D.C. My mom has been a high school counselor in Fairfax County, Virginia for the past 20 years and from her I have witnessed how much dedication and passion it takes to be a public school educator and the impact educators can have on students and their families.
As Henrico’s education reporter, I want to cover a variety of topics, including racial and socioeconomic equity, safety in schools, accommodating students with disabilities, access to higher education, and state education policies. I believe there is nothing more important to a community than its public schools. Community members are deeply invested in ensuring schools provide equal opportunities, guarantee student safety, and give all students access to extracurricular sports, arts, and cultural clubs.
While I was an undergrad at Georgetown University, I worked on the student newspaper covering student life, student activism, and the university’s response to issues like COVID-19 and financial aid. I also interned at the Alexandria Times in Alexandria, covering topics such as school safety, arts education, local politics and sports. I joined the Citizen through Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to cover underreported issues.
I was inspired to go into local news by my dad, who worked as a local news reporter in Wilmington, Delaware. Through local journalism, I have learned about so many different people and their stories, their advocacy, and their dedication to their community. I am so grateful that readers like the Citizen’s still place a high value on local journalism and on stories that go beyond the fast-paced news cycle we often see on digital media
When I’m not in the newsroom, I am probably listening to some classic rock, going for a run on local trails, hunting for some good eats, or sending funny videos to my sister. I am also very excited to be close to my favorite water park, Water Country USA, and to nerd out at Colonial Williamsburg.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me via email at liana@henricocitizen.com or on Twitter at @LianaHardy12 with any story ideas, tips, or just to say hello. I love meeting new people and getting to hear your stories, interests, and ideas.
