News: Sanders Corner Principal Kathleen Hwang Struck by SUV and Killed While Walking Near Her Sterling Home

(Nov. 23, 2012) - Sanders Corner Elementary School Principal Kathleen M. Hwang, 60, was struck and killed while walking near her Lowes Island neighborhood in Sterling Wednesday afternoon. Loudoun County Public Schools Crisis Resource team members will be on duty at Sanders Corner when the Ashburn school re-opens on Monday morning.

LCPS release: "This is a sad time in the life of this vibrant school, and we are grateful for the years of outstanding leadership given to Sanders Corner by Mrs. Hwang since 2005."

Families of students and former students are leaving flowers, teddy bears, balloons and other  sympathy items in a makeshift memorial in front of the school's message board which happens to read: "Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving".

The popular principal, a presence greeting her students each morning in the school's car line, many with hugs, and also made sure to read with each student in the school, who would return home proudly with their "I read to the Principal" button.

Hwang was scheduled to retire at the end of this school year. Before moving to Northern Virginia she had spent 24 years in the Virginia Beach area as a teacher, assistant principal and principal.

A visitation will be held at Adams-Green Funeral Home in Herndon on Tuesday, Nov. 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the Chesterbrook Elementary School PTA in McLean or the Sanders Corner Elementary School PTA in Ashburn.