This article is part of a series of profiles about each finalist for Virginia Beach City Public Schools’ 2024 Citywide Teacher of the Year.

Teaching is more than a calling, it’s a way of life for Stacey Bellissimo.

“It is a part of a person’s soul and it’s only fulfilled when it is shared with others,” said the business/marketing teacher at Cox High School, who was also a finalist for citywide teacher of the year.

“Teaching is being there for students and communities who need guidance and support,” she said. “Teaching is so much more than what happens in a classroom. Teaching is about the legacy you create by helping your students grow.”

If you ask Cox students who their favorite teacher has been, it’s a good bet they’ll say Ms. Bellissimo, according to Whitney Szoke, assistant principal.

“There is magic that forms between Stacey and her students and it is simply amazing to witness and to work alongside of her,” Szoke said.

Bellissimo is the DECA co-coordinator and department chair for the business/marketing department, along with participating in the Cox High School Mentor/Training Program. She’s also involved with programs like Beach Girls Rock, the Boo Bash at Cox, the CHKD Love Run and the Holiday Project of the Department of Social Services.

As Cox’s sports marketing teacher, she works with several teams and clubs to help promote their activities. During the summer, she coordinates Cox Camps, where various groups raise money for student programs.

When she was the school’s varsity softball coach, Bellissimo helped athletes on and off the field, according to Jessica Bowman, Cox’s student activities director.

“I specifically remember two softball players who struggled with their academics and their decision-making during their down time,” Bowman said. “Stacey worked tirelessly to help both these young ladies not only excel academically, but thrive as students-athletes at Cox.”

Bellissimo’s leadership class is one of the most popular electives Cox offers, with frequent waiting lists for students, according to Dr. Michael Kelly, school principal.

“Stacey works hard to develop strong relationships with every student in her classes, creating lifelong relationships that cause many past students to regularly return to school to see her,” Kelly said. “She achieves this by having an inclusive classroom environment, where everyone feels they have a home.”