Augusta County Public Schools proudly recognizes Kelly Hughes, Music Teacher at Stuarts Draft Elementary School, as the 2026 Teacher of the year.
Kelly Hughes is a veteran music educator whose forty-five year career has been devoted entirely to serving the students of Augusta County Public Schools. Throughout her career, Kelly has remained deeply committed to the belief that music education is about far more than teaching musical skills. For her, music is a powerful vehicle for helping students grow into confident, thoughtful individuals, who understand the value of effort, collaboration, and striving for excellence.
Kelly’s passion for music began during her elementary school years when she first started playing piano. Those early experiences planted the seeds for what would eventually become a lifelong career. However, it was during her high school years that Kelly fully recognized the profound impact that music could have on young people. As a member of an exceptional high school choir, she experienced the influence of an inspiring teacher who demonstrated how a single dedicated educator could shape the lives of many students. Through that experience, Kelly witnessed the power of music to bring people together in the pursuit of excellence and the importance of knowledge, hard work, and shared commitment. Inspired by that example, she knew that she wanted to become part of that process for future generations.
She first served as choir director at Stuarts Draft High School, where she doubled the number of students enrolled in choir classes, and had her Show Choir travel annually to Disney World, where they would perform in the parks for international audiences. In 2004, Kelly was named as Stuarts Draft High School’s Teacher of the Year. After twenty-five years, Kelly transitioned to the elementary music classroom at Stuarts Draft Elementary School. In this role, she has introduced generations of young learners to the joy and possibilities of music.
Kelly values music as one of the most naturally cross-curricular subjects in education. Musical learning engages students with concepts connected to mathematics, science, visual art, history, reading, and movement, making it a uniquely comprehensive form of learning. Through music, students develop listening skills, discipline, creativity, and cooperation. These musical experiences ultimately help students learn how to interact respectfully and productively with others - skills that are essential for living in harmony within any community.
Congratulations!