The Peninsula School District is happy to announce a new principal at Harbor Ridge Middle School (HRMS) was chosen to lead the middle school into the 2022-2023 school year and beyond. 

Brian Wickens, who served as the assistant principal at HRMS since 2004, has been chosen to replace principal Mike Benoit. Benoit was announced as the new principal of Peninsula High School on Aug. 3. 

Wickens is entering his 37th year in education. For 36 of those years, he has worked with middle school students. He graduated from Central Washington University and received his master’s degree from City University. 

A true local, Wickens grew up in Tacoma and has lived in Gig Harbor the past 30 years. He spent the first 18 years of his career teaching middle school for Tacoma Public Schools. He also coached sports for 17 years at Lincoln High School. 

Wickens’ greatest joy is spending time with his wife Carole and their large blended family, which includes seven “awesome grandchildren.” He also enjoys golfing and hiking in his spare time.

“I’m excited and grateful for this new role as principal of Harbor Ridge. I’m thankful to be able to continue to work with the dedicated Harbor Ridge staff, fantastic students, and families,” Wickens said.