For Immediate Release: April 18, 2024
Contact: communications@doe.virginia.gov
Todd.Reid@doe.virginia.gov
RICHMOND – Andy Holmes, a band director at Smyth County Public Schools’ Marion Senior High School and Marion Middle School, has been named the 2025 Virginia Regional Teacher of the Year (Region 7) by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Holmes has been a teacher and a mentor for two years.
“Mr. Holmes has transformed the band program into a vibrant part of both Marion Middle School and Marion Senior High School,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons. “He is creating a culture in which his students are eager to learn and achieve, but more importantly want to support and better each other, creating a true sense of community. I am thrilled to present him with this award today and acknowledge all that he’s done for both schools and his students.”
“Mr. Holmes is a remarkable educator who makes a tremendous impact on the students he serves,” said Smyth County Public Schools Superintendent Dennis Carter. “He is instilling a love of music for our band students.”
Holmes’ passion for serving others through leadership, as well as his love for creating quality music, inspired Holmes to pursue a career in music education. During his first year of teaching at Marion Senior High School, the Scarlet Hurricane Band received multiple awards at every marching competition in which they competed. They also received the highest possible rating at Concert Assessment in the spring of 2023, a feat not achieved at Marion Senior High School since 2012. His students’ accomplishments since his arrival have increased enthusiasm and support for the band program at the school and in the community.
In his role as an educator, Holmes believes part of his responsibility is preparing students for life after graduation and showing them as early as possible that serving others is one of the best ways to add meaning to their life. He established a band culture that enables student leadership and encourages students to have the same high expectations for themselves that he has for them. Holmes arrives over an hour early every day to provide his students an opportunity to practice their instruments. The self-guided, student-centered structure of morning practice allows for highly differentiated instruction, teaches students to be independent learners and leaders, and creates an environment where comradery can flourish.
Holmes is an active member of the Virginia Music Educators Association, the National Association for Music Education, the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association, and the Percussive Arts Society. He supports the creation and performance of band music with both the State Line Wind Symphony and the Winds of the Mountain Empire, community bands that allow local performers and composers to continue their craft after graduation.
“Mr. Holmes leads by example and the student band leadership emulates his leadership style and takes their job seriously,” said Marion Senior High School Interim Principal Kelli Hughes. “He is a dynamic teacher who truly makes a difference in the lives of our students.”
Holmes received his bachelor's degree in music education from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
The announcement of Holmes’ nomination coincided with a surprise visit from Superintendent Coons. Holmes and the seven other regional Teachers of the Year will join a Teacher Advisory Council, helping elevate the voices and perspectives of all Virginia teachers on VDOE’s work.
All eight Regional Teachers of the Year are nominees for the 2025 Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year Award. The final Virginia Teacher of the Year Award will be announced later this spring.
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