Joseph Harrin, a music instructor and band director at Hernando High School, has been selected as the 2025-26 Hernando County School District Teacher of the Year during the annual award ceremony held by the Hernando County Education Foundation at Lead Foot City on January 23. Harrin was chosen from educators across the district and will represent Hernando County in future Teacher of the Year competitions.
“To be honest, I never thought I had a chance as a band director. When I heard the second and first runners-up called and they were both from elementary schools, I had resigned myself to not winning,” Harrin said. “When they said Hernando High School, I was in shock and disbelief.” The ceremony also recognized first runner-up Charlie Cempron from Eastside Elementary School, second runner-up Larissa Orlando from Chocachatti Elementary School, and Rookie of the Year Robert Crawford from Wilton Simpson Technical College.
Harrin expressed gratitude for the recognition and excitement about representing his home county. “I am grateful for the recognition, and I am excited to represent the county I grew up in, the school I graduated from and the program I am passionate about,” he said. “I am looking forward to being an advocate for the performing arts and the incredible educators we have in Hernando County.”
Superintendent Ray Pinder praised the honorees during the ceremony. “Our Teacher of the Year honorees represent what being an educator truly means,” Pinder said. The Hernando County School District continues to recognize outstanding educators who make significant impacts on student learning and achievement throughout the county’s schools.
Originally reported by Suncoast News – Brooksville
Sources: Suncoast News – Brooksville
