Blue Ridge School’s 2023 Golden Apple Award for excellence in teaching has been presented to History Teacher Hampton Kennedy.

Kennedy is known for being a dedicated and engaging teacher of U.S. history and government. He intentionally and thoughtfully crafts activities so that all students, including neurodiverse and non-native speakers leave his class with a lasting understanding of the topics covered. 

“It is very rewarding to see students become more confident in themselves,” says Kennedy. “Whether it is their academic skills or their ability to speak into a topic more deeply, that confidence permeates all areas of their life in a positive way. The classroom can be the training ground for everything students develop in their character, as long as that environment is one where they are encouraged and supported by faculty and peers.”

Dean of the Faculty Amber Wilkins says Kennedy is an extraordinary educator who inspires his students. “He is dedicated to the success of his students, providing them with an academically rich curriculum that challenges them, while also supporting them on and through their academic journey. Through his ability to create lessons that are differentiated, scaffolded, and accessible to students, Hampton is that educator that finds the balance between meeting students where they are and pushing them beyond their wildest dreams. He is the epitome of what a Golden Apple recipient should be.”

Kennedy says, “I look up to a lot of teachers here and have learned so much from them. I’m always learning and trying new things and looking for feedback, so it is nice to be recognized for those efforts.”

When he’s not teaching, Kennedy enjoys backpacking, rock climbing, and learning about his favorite president, Thomas Jefferson. At Blue Ridge School, he is also a student advisor, track coach, and outdoor program leader. Mr. Kennedy hails from Charlotte, North Carolina, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University and a master’s from Norwich University.