Dear Alpharetta Orchestra families and friends,
It is with a heavy heart that I announce that I will not be returning to Alpharetta High School next school year. The decision to depart from such an amazing school and community was not easy but was mainly personal in nature. My family is the most important thing to me, and as many of you know, my home is quite a long commute from AHS. Time is priceless and the one thing in life that you can’t ever get back once it’s gone. Teaching at a school closer to home will allow me to make the best use of my time for myself, my family, and my work.
The last six years at Alpharetta High School have been absolutely incredible. I am extremely grateful for my wonderful, talented, hard-working students. You are essentially my second family and have always made me feel special. I have enjoyed working with you and seeing you excel and grow. I love that I have been able to be there for you when you needed me. You demonstrated such bravery and courage through the worst of the pandemic and have come out on top, fully reunited this year. I couldn’t be more proud of how far you all have come! I will always care greatly for each of you and wish you nothing but the very best as you navigate through your high school career or move on to college, careers, and adulthood. Keep playing, keep loving music, and take good care of yourselves. I will miss you!
The orchestra program could not have been nearly as successful without the immense support from the AHS school administration. Dr. Kersey, you are the best — always supportive and encouraging, yet have allowed me the freedom to make the best decisions for the orchestra program and my students.
Our AHS Orchestra Association board parents have also played a vital role in our success whether assisting with fundraisers, supporting student socials, or putting together the most amazing hospitality before and after performances. You have always gone the extra mile to make the orchestra experience so special for the students and for me. I have to admit, I have been pretty spoiled by you and want to let you all know how much you are appreciated. Thank you!
Finally, I am forever indebted to my fellow AHS music teachers (here’s looking at you Mr. Walsh, Mr. Jenkins, Ms. Levesque, and Mr. Kaufman!) and the entire Fine Arts department (special shout-out to our fearless leader, Ms. Magill!). I have always felt welcomed and at home with the entire AHS faculty and staff. Your support, encouragement, mentorship, and friendship in both personal and professional matters mean the world to me and I will never forget you.
As we complete the remaining weeks of this school year, I want to embrace the final experiences we will have together at our senior showcase, awards banquet, and graduation ceremony. I will always cherish the memories that have been made at Alpharetta High School and will keep them with me forever. My heart is filled with gratitude.
Peace and love always,
Dr. Laux