Louis Kokonis, Longest-Serving Alexandria Public Schools Teacher, Dies

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Louis Kokonis wanted to do what he loved for the rest of his life — teaching — and that's exactly what the 91-year-old did at Alexandria City Public Schools.

The school district announced the death of Kokonis, an Alexandria City High School math teacher who was the longest-serving teacher in ACPS history. He taught math for over 60 years at the high school.

"In short, Mr. Kokonis’ passing on Jan. 4, 2024, is not only a difficult loss for the Titan community but also a significant loss for the City of Alexandria," said Alexandria City High School's Executive Principal Alexander Duncan III in a message to families. "Indeed, he was loved by all who were fortunate enough to know him and will be sorely missed."

Kokonis started his teaching career in Alexandria in 1959 at Francis C. Hammond Middle School. He then joined the Alexandria City High School math department, teaching all levels of math. He was most known for teaching AP Calculus AB and BC, DE Calculus III, and Differential Equations.

In the most recent interview with CBS News, Kokonis said he didn't want to retire from teaching. He even went the extra mile to offer students free tutoring on Saturdays.

The longtime teacher has instructed thousands of students of multiple generations in more than 60 years of teaching. The Virginia General Assembly recognized Kokonis with a House joint resolution, noting he "has imparted his passion for lifelong learning to his students, many of whom went on to become physicists, engineers, doctors, and professors."

In 2018, ACPS honored Kokonis for 60-year teaching anniversary. The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria honored Kokonis with a scholarship named the Louis Kokonis Teaching Legend Scholarship.

In lieu of flowers, Kononis's family asked for contributions to the Louis Kokonis Teaching Legend Scholarship.

Alexandria City High School has made support teams available to students and staff in the wake of the beloved teacher's death. Counselors and social workers can help students, and staff can reach out to ComPsych counselors throughout the day. Support circles will also be provided next week, according to the high school's principal. Families may also reach out to CrisisText and Crisis Link 24/7 by texting CONNECT to 85511 or calling CrisisLink at 703-527-4077.