A music teacher at Jefferson County Public Schools Youth Performing Arts School (YPAS) has been named the High School Music Teacher of the Year. Kevin Callihan won the award presented by the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA).
“Mr. Callihan is an exceptional music educator who works incredibly hard for his students,” said Paul Robinson, JCPS music instructional lead. “He absolutely deserves this award and we couldn't be prouder.”
Callihan is also the band director at YPAS while being an active performer, clinician, and guest conductor outside of school. Ensembles directed by him have won several awards.
“I am humbled and honored to be recognized as the 2024-2025 Kentucky Music Educators Association High School Teacher of the Year,” Callihan said. “This recognition would not be possible without the dedication and support of my students, colleagues, administration, and family. Guiding music students as they master their craft, set and achieve goals, and learn to depend upon and trust others is one of the great joys in my life as an educator.”
This is the second year in a row that a JCPS music teacher has won a statewide KMEA award. In 2023-24, Adam (Christopher) Bullock won the Kentucky Middle School Music Teacher of the Year Award. Bullock is a music teacher at Western Middle School for the Arts.
“Having consecutive state music award winners these last two years shows the level of expertise, professionalism, and dedication to students we have going on in our music classrooms here in JCPS,” Robinson said.