Annandale HS orchestra teacher Annie Ray named Outstanding Secondary Teacher

Fairfax County Public Schools has presented Annandale High School orchestra teacher Annie Ray with a 2023 Outstanding Secondary Teacher of the Year award.

At the awards ceremony at George Mason University, FCPS called Ray “a passionate advocate for universal access to quality music education.”

“Annie regularly develops innovative opportunities to make music accessible to students of all demographics,” FCPS states. She started the Crescendo Orchestra program during the pandemic to bring the joy of creating music to students with severe developmental or intellectual disabilities.

That initiative is highlighted in her Ted Talk, “The Sound of Success.”

Also during the pandemic, she kept her orchestra students engaged with drive-through support and outdoor practices, says Annandale Principal Shawn DeRose. “Her dedication paid off as Annandale’s orchestra program flourished.”

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She also created the FCPS Parent Orchestra which helps more than 150 parents learn to play their child’s instrument, allowing them to support and connect with their student.

“Annie is known for her passion, skill, and belief that every student can achieve greatness,” DeRose says. “Her impact and dedication have made a positive difference in the school community.”