Rasan Holmes receives ODU Outstanding Education Specialist award

 

Rasan Holmes, a music teacher at Phillips Elementary School, has received the Outstanding Education Specialist award from Old Dominion University. He is the only education specialist candidate to be selected for the award.

 

The ODU students of the year are recommended by their professors and have excelled in their programs. They have been exemplary students and this award celebrates their outstanding contributions to academic excellence and serving as models for educational leadership.

 

“Mr. Holmes' award is no surprise. He has always had a vision for his work and been a leader in his field,” said Kelly Dee, visual and performing arts curriculum leader.

 

“I have worked with Mr. Holmes for less than a year, but find him to be a true educator, always willing to do whatever it takes to promote a nurturing and educationally rich environment for teachers and students,” said Dr. Rohan Cumberbatch-Smith, Phillips principal. “He has a sense of humor that adds to the positive atmosphere wherever he goes. Mr. ‘Can Do’ Holmes is definitely an asset to HCS.”

 

Holmes, a native of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, has been an educator for 21 years. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Hampton University and is a candidate for the education specialist degree in educational leadership through the Hampton City Schools-Old Dominion University administrative cohort. Holmes has had the unique opportunity to teach at every grade level from kindergarten through college. Specifically, he has taught music for Chesapeake Public Schools, Hampton University, and Hampton City Schools. In addition to his current instructional responsibilities at Phillips Elementary, Holmes serves as the mentor lead teacher, a division music content area mentor, and a student mentor. He is also a member of the school leadership team and the coordinator of the morning announcement show.

 

“I attribute my success to all of the teachers that helped mold, mentor, and guide me, even to this day,” said Holmes.