Photo courtesy of BCPS
Botetourt County Public Schools hosted its annual Teacher of the Year Banquet on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at The Hotel Roanoke. The evening honored outstanding educators from across the division, with each school’s Teacher of the Year receiving a personalized Yeti tumbler engraved by students at the Botetourt Technical Education Center.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of Chris Caldwell, instrumental music teacher at Lord Botetourt High School, as the Division Teacher of the Year. He will now represent the school division in the Region VI selection process for Virginia’s prestigious Mary V. Bicouvaris Teacher of the Year Award.
Division Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Russ remarked, “When I read the evening’s program, I saw that Chris’s official title is Instrumental Music Teacher. I couldn’t agree more! He is absolutely instrumental to Lord Botetourt High School and our school division, and we are proud to have him represent Botetourt County Public Schools moving forward.”
With nearly three decades of experience in education, Caldwell has spent the past 20 years sharing his passion for instrumental music with the Botetourt County community. Known for meeting students at their level and inspiring them to pursue excellence, he has become a trusted mentor and advocate for young musicians.
Beyond the county, Caldwell extends his impact as a guest clinician and adjudicator for Honor Ensembles, District Bands, Marching Competitions, and State Assessments throughout the region and state.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
