Louis Kokonis, an Alexandria City High School math teacher who worked in the school division for over 60 years, died yesterday.
Kokonis, 91, was renowned for his devotion to the students. A CBS article last year noted that Kokonis, who had no wife or children, offered free tutoring on Saturdays and was often the first to arrive at the school each day.
“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 Principal Alexander Duncan in a letter to the school community. “Indeed, he was loved by all who were fortunate enough to know him and will be sorely missed.”
Kokonis was the longest-serving teacher in the history of ACPS. He taught all levels of math, but primarily taught AP Calculus AB and BC, DE Calculus III and Differential Equations.
According to the letter from Duncan:
Mr. Kokonis’ service in ACPS was nothing short of legendary and was recognized beyond our immediate community. For his many accomplishments, he was celebrated in 2019 by the Virginia General Assembly in Joint House Resolution #727. To honor him, this resolution stated, “Louis Kokonis has imparted his passion for lifelong learning to his students, many of whom went on to become physicists, engineers, doctors and professors.” Additionally, Mr. Kokonis was featured last year in a CBS News story that highlighted his extensive career and commitment to serving his students and the ACHS school community.
The Louis Kokonis Teaching Legend Scholarship, offered through the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria, honors Kokonis’ work and the family asked for expressions of condolences to be shared through his scholarship. Holy Cow Del Ray’s ‘Burger of the Moment‘ is also ‘The Mr. Kokonis” in honor of the teacher.