Congratulations to Orchestra Director Annie Ray on her recognition as the FCPS 2023 Region 2 Outstanding Secondary School Teacher at this year's FCPS Honors event, held at George Mason University Center for the Arts on June 14th.

A passionate advocate for universal access to quality music education, Annie regularly develops innovative opportunities to make music accessible to students of all demographics. For example, she created the Crescendo Orchestra program to bring the joy of orchestra to students with severe developmental or intellectual disabilities. Her work also extends beyond the classroom to include the whole school community. Her creation of the FCPS Parent Orchestra annually helps over 150 parents learn to play their child's instrument, allowing them to support and connect with their student. A colleague said, "Annie meets every student where they are and shows them where they are capable of going - through hands-on, engaging instruction."

• View Ms. Ray's recognition on the FCPS website.

Congratulations to the following Annandale High School staff members who were also recognized at this year's FCPS Honors Ceremony!

Outstanding Secondary School New Teacher School-Level Recipient

• Allyson Pak, Mathematics Teacher

Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee School-Level Recipient

• Elizabeth Soteriou, Student Information Assistant

Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee School-Level Recipient

• Jeniva Miller, Instructional Coach

Outstanding School-Based Leader School-Level Recipient

• Sarah Eqab, Assistant Principal

Thank you to Bryan Molle for all of their hard work with the nomination process by serving as this year's awards liaison.