Princess Anne High School orchestra director Alex Kelly is a finalist for citywide Teacher of the Year.

Kelly has been with VBCPS for the past nine years, including the past four at Princess Anne High. He is also the orchestra teacher at Thalia and Kingston elementary schools.

He credited a former orchestra director as the reason for becoming a music educator.

“During one of the most challenging and darkest times of my life, the support, kindness and encouragement from my orchestra director set me on a trajectory that would lead me to follow in his footsteps,” he said.

Principal Todd Tarkenton said Kelly is an invaluable part of the school faculty.

“Alex Kelly demonstrates a passion for teaching and a love for his students that is timeless and embodies all that is great in education.”

Tarkenton said Kelly often seeks ways to present his instruction creatively to help students develop a deeper understanding of the music they are playing.

“Mr. Kelly possesses a tenacious drive and tireless energy for helping his students gain confidence in themselves.”

Kelly is a member of the Virginia Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Educators, American String Teachers Association and the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association.

He is currently Princess Anne High’s fine and performing arts department chair, instructional leadership team representative, and National Honor Society faculty council member.

At Kempsville Middle School, he was named Teacher of the Year. He received the Distinguished Educator award at Kempsville Middle and Princess Anne High. In 2023, he was awarded the Virginia String Teachers Association Distinguished Service award.

Kelly was also named Outstanding New Orchestra Teacher of the Year in 2018 by the Virginia Strings Association.

The orchestra teacher also collaborated on a VBCPS back-to-school welcome video for the 2023-24 school year. The project was nominated for a Capital Emmy award by a local chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Kelly said the experience of being part of an orchestra led to his career choice.

“I learned of the importance of music as an expressive outlet and have seen it touch the lives of my students and so many more students worldwide.”

Princess Anne art teacher Sarah Lubert said Kelly has an unwavering dedication and passion for his students and the fine arts.

His approach to teaching and commitment to the arts have significantly impacted students and colleagues, she said.

“He firmly believes that the fine arts can transform lives, and he instills this belief in his students, encouraging them to embrace their creativity and work hard to achieve their goals.”