Mr. Louis Kokonis, 91, passed away on the morning of Thursday, January 4, 2024. Over 60 years of teaching within Alexandria City Public Schools cemented Kokonis as a paragon of instructional excellence, moral character and commitment throughout Virginia. Never married and without children, Kokonis instead leaves behind over 8,000 former students for whom he exemplified the magic, power and wonder of mathematics and education. 

Born on April 1, 1932 to Greek immigrants in Washington, D.C., Kokonis grew up in the DMV area. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Northwest Washington, D.C. Inspired by his own math teacher, Kokonis initially served in the army during the Korean War before attending university and pursuing a career in education. After attending the Teacher’s College in D.C., the University of Maryland for his Master’s of Education and the University of South Carolina for his Master’s of Art, he began teaching at ACPS in 1959, initially at Francis C. Hammond High School before transferring to T.C. Williams High School upon school integration in 1971. 

A 91-year-old teacher tends to make the news. CBS News, the Washington Post, WUSA9 and NBC Washington were among several organizations that profiled Kokonis and his teaching journey throughout the years. Though frequently humble and quite concise, Kokonis shared his wisdom — and personality — in several interviews. He was a noted fan of Irish music, Anne of Green Gables and movies with happy endings. 

“The world’s tragic enough,” said Kokonis to the Washington Post in 2018. “I’m kind of idealistic. I like to see everything come out real nice.”

Remembered as gentle and kind, several alumni state that they owe their success— and in some cases, their careers— to Kokonis.

“I credit Mr. Kokonis in helping me graduate high school! I was a student with Learning Disabilities (ADHD & Dyslexia) and I was failing terribly in my math courses. I was transferred 2 or 3 times into different math classes with different teachers and Mr K. was the last math teacher available. I thought it was a lost cause at this point, that I was going to have to do summer school or redo the grade, but Mr K. got through to me. He spent so much time with me before and after class, was patient and understanding, and made me feel like he was on my team,” said John Mulberger, ‘15. 

“Had him for 2 years, learning Calc II, [Differential Equations] Multivariable [Calculus], and Intro to Vector Calc. Literally getting a math minor at Virginia Tech because of him,” said Harry McDermott, ‘22. 

“I had Mr. Kokonis for the last 2 years at TCW/ACHS, and I remembered [helping] him with classes and almost like a TA in a way. At the end of the year before I graduated, he gave me a plaque to honor me as a student that helped him,” said Sirawit Srakaew, ‘19. “I am very proud to be his student and really wish that I could see him again, but COVID made everything complicated. He motivates me to become a math professor as well and that is what I have been doing for both undergraduate and graduate school. I am proud to be his student.”

His penchant for teaching became ACHS folklore: you’d be hard-pressed to find a student in the school unaware of Kokonis. Over seventy years of dedication to students, It was not uncommon for Kokonis to teach multiple generations. 

“We had fun trying to keep up with Mr. Kokonis as he plastered in chalk equations all over the blackboard,” said Greg Ewell, a student at Francis C. Hammond High School in the 60s whose daughters later had Kokonis at T.C. Williams. “He usually wore a wool blazer that would become dusted thoroughly over with chalk dust. Shoulders, lapels, we tried not to laugh as he was teaching us so well. Decades later, my daughters loved and appreciated his dedication.”

“Sincere condolences to Mr Kokonis’ family on his passing.  Inspired me in high school to earn a BS in Applied Mathematics and eventually become a Mathematician professionally for the past 38 years,” said Gordon Shelley, T.C. Williams ‘80. “Will always be grateful for [the] opportunity 20 years ago in Safeway to thank him personally while in the check out line. Fair Winds Mr. K….”

Kokonis had no intention to retire. In a 2022 NBC interview, he said, “If you’re happy with what you’re doing, I don’t see any reason for retiring.” This year, he taught five classes, including one block of Differential Equations and Calculus 3, affectionately referred to as “Diff EQ” or “Diffy” by its students. The Dual Enrollment class, the most advanced offered at ACHS, required the teacher to have a Master’s Degree in mathematics. 

“As counter intuitive as it may seem, I think I, like many others, began to take his presence for granted, began to think that 10 years from now Mr. Kokonis, the 91 year old calculus teacher, would still be shaping minds at ACHS. As a result, it is startling to realize that when I walked out of class last Tuesday, I saw him for the last time. I assumed that next week, he would remind me how to solve a differential equation. I assumed that I would have time to thank him for everything he has taught me. I assumed that I would at least be able to say goodbye. Instead, I am sharing my fond memories of this pillar in our community as a testament to the brilliance, dedication, and generosity of Louis Kokonis,” said senior Benjamin Turney.

“I did not have him as a teacher for that long, only this year, but in that time I can confidently say that Mr. Kokonis was the best math teacher I have had in years. I went into Calculus BC feeling like I would fall behind quickly and drop the class after the first week. But with Mr. Kokonis, I was able to learn the information well and, for the first time in a while, feel confident about math,” said junior Gabe Porras. 

“This man spent over 60 years of his lifetime teaching math to students, making them succeed in many skills, and making great connections with students and staff. I will never forget how his role as a teacher and a great man has changed everything around other people,” said senior Ziyad Sankoh.

Kokonis’ tremendous impact is apparent. Del Ray-based burger joint Holy Cow launched a burger in his name on Friday, January 5. TMZ Sports host and WWE wrestler Dean Muhtadi, ‘04, wrote on his Instagram story, “Thank you for all that you have tirelessly done for us all sir,” and reposted an @alexcitytitans infographic. The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria launched a scholarship in 2018 in his name, which he would announce the winner of at the reception every year. He was honored by a joint Virginia House Resolution in 2019 for his “impart[ion of] his passion for lifelong learning to his students” and “incalculable contributions to the Alexandria community.” Kokonis taught students whom he went on to work with in ACPS, including former Superintendent Dr. Gregory Hutchings. 

“He believed in me, in math before I even believed in myself. He told me I was talented in math. I didn’t know I was. I didn’t even know it was something I was going to pursue.” said Hutchings in a 2018 interview with WUSA9. 

But more than the material accomplishments Kokonis garnered is a personal legacy that is now global. His gentle, calm and patient demeanor is recalled by his former students. 

“Mr. Kokonis was my junior and senior year math teacher at T.C Williams. He was always patient and understanding, and would take time even outside of classes to ensure students thrived. His dedication to teaching and encouraging students to succeed like myself played a major part in why I am a scientist today. Thank you Mr. Kokonis for your guidance, and may your memory be a blessing,” said Jenny McGee, ‘02. 

“Mr. Kokonis, a blessing for me… a caring and loving teacher who always asked the class about me when I’m absent and made sure that I am doing great… He loved teaching so much that he wouldn’t miss a single day… even come in the day when he got his eyes dilated… He’ll come,” said senior Sehar Saba. “Those close to our hearts never truly leave us… and Mr. Kokonis has taught generations and passed on so much knowledge that will continue to spread… so he will never leave us. Rest in peace, dear Mr. Kokonis.”

“I’ll always remember his voice, the way he walked, his everyday clothes, and how the only thing he did quickly was scrawl equations on the board. I remember him recruiting help from his students to pull up YouTube videos for demonstrations, and him smiling from his desk as he watched them. He was truly a gentle soul and I am very saddened by his passing. I will cherish my memories of him, and I hope that there will be a public memorial service in his honor,” said Emma Sapp, ‘18. 

“Louis Kokonis was the most dedicated person I have ever met in my life. Always staying after school to help students, being there on Saturdays, and teaching for over 60 years, doing it all with a smile on his face. He even gladly let us host the mathematical Putnam Club in his room. Mr. Kokonis was beloved by all of us for his kindness and commitment to teaching us. Whenever other teachers would give him donuts, he would just give them to his students. Mr. Kokonis was an extremely sweet and dedicated man, and I am so honored to have been his student for two years. May he rest in peace,” said Thomas Lane, ‘24.

“I, myself was a below-average student who graduated with a GPA that was far below 2.0 but my past performances never mattered to him, he would still help me as if I was showing up to class every day like a 4.0 GPA student. His test-retaking strategy was based on [the] kindness of his heart. If it wasn’t for his kindness, patience and love for the art of teaching, I would have failed his class and mostly would’ve had a late graduation. On paper, I was a terrible student, but that didn’t matter to him. He treated me with the same kindness that he treated [the] smartest kid in the class with. I can never forget that,” said an anonymous former student, ‘18. 

“I graduated on time in 2018, at the age of 18. Ended up getting hired as a senior engineer 3 months after graduation by a fortune-100 company and became the youngest employee they had ever hired. It always puzzled me how nice, calm and friendly he was to me when I didn’t think I deserved it. His love [for] his craft and for his students paved the way for me to do things after graduation that I could’ve never imagined even in my wildest dreams. May his soul rest in peace and may his legacy persist, timeless and unending, as vast as the march of time itself.” 

Mr. Louis Kokonis taught advanced mathematics through the invention of Zip Codes, thirteen different presidencies and multiple versions of the school building. How can you summarize the sheer magnitude of 60 years of teaching? Is there a sentence that can summarize the statute of community, mentorship, inspiration and excellence? What is the meaning of infinity when we talk about legacy? Is there a proof or theorem that could calculate the sheer value of a man who had pledged his life to the proliferation of a community’s children? 

From the black desk cabinets of his legacy spill thousands of papers, equations, transformations, names and stories intrinsically tied within his own. Kokonis’s unparalleled dedication to Alexandria City Public Schools and the field of education as a whole merits an elegy that far surpasses what these words are capable of. Perhaps the speaking is best left to the man himself.

In a 2018 interview with WUSA9, Kokonis said the following on teaching.

“You have to like students. I hope I made a difference . . . I did my best.” 

Gallery • 12 Photos

Alexandria City Public Schools

This year, Louis Kokonis taught three classes: AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC and Differential Equations & Calculus 3 / Photo courtesy of ACPS

Here are all of the unredacted, unedited testimonials Theogony received in honor of Mr. Louis Kokonis, 1932-2024, a paragon of educational and human excellence, who shone among Titans. 

Ziyad Sankoh, Former student (‘24) 

“I remember first entering his class on the first day of school feeling nervous about what we were going to learn. But after many days of coming to his class, studying math problems every day, and asking for help, I got better at doing math problems than I did before. This man spent over 60 years of his lifetime teaching math to students, making them succeed in many skills, and making great connections with students and staff. I will never forget how his role as a teacher and a great man has changed everything around other people.” 

Harry McDermott, Former student (‘22)

“Had him for 2 years, learning calc II, diff eq, multi variable, and info to vector calc. Literally getting a math minor at Virginia tech because of him.”

Anonymous, Former student

“Mr. Kokonis was a loving teacher and a sweet teacher who cares about his students including me he was so fun to be around his ways of expressions was so much sweet and he wasn’t like other teachers who will yell at you or be rude he was a special teacher and will always be one in my heart ❤️ rest in peace.”

John Mulberger, Former student (‘15) 

“I credit Mr. Kokonis in helping me graduate high school! I was a student with Learning Disabilities (ADHD & Dyslexia) and I was failing terribly in my math courses. I was transferred 2 or 3 times into different math classes with different teachers and Mr K. was the last math teacher available. I thought it was a lost cause at this point, that I was going to have to do summer school or redo the grade but Mr K. got through to me. He spent so much time with me before and after class, was patient and understanding, and made me feel like he was on my team. He would teach me the same subject/idea two or three times until I got it. He didn’t care that I had an LD, he saw me the same way as his other students. I wasn’t an outcast or told I “wasn’t applying myself” I just needed more time. As someone who is now successful with Learning Disabilities, there are a few teachers in our life that make a lasting impact, a few that I can look back at and say “if it wasn’t for them” and Mr. K was at the top of that list! Not to mention he taught my sister 6 years before me! He will be missed!”

Benjamin Turney, Former student (‘24)

“I had Mr. Kokonis last year for Calculus BC and was also in his Differential Equations class this year. He was the only teacher who taught these high level math classes and has consistently given his time and attention to anyone who needs help. Not only has Mr. Kokonis been a defining force in my experience at ACHS, but he has also influenced thousands of other students. As counter intuitive as it may seem, I think I, like many others, began to take his presence for granted, began to think that 10 years from now Mr. Kokonis, the 91 year old calculus teacher, would still be shaping minds at ACHS. As a result, it is startling to realize that when I walked out of class last Tuesday, I saw him for the last time. I assumed that next week, he would remind me how to solve a differential equation. I assumed that I would have time to thank him for everything he has taught me. I assumed that I would at least be able to say goodbye. Instead, I am sharing my fond memories of this pillar in our community as a testament to the brilliance, dedication, and generosity of Louis Kokonis.”

Ella Benbow, Former student (‘17)

“I took DE differential equations with Mr Kokonis my senior year. He was such a kind teacher and his class was full of joy about learning. I told him I wanted to teach and he was so excited! He was a great teacher and his calm demeanor and joy for math will always be something I remember.”

Cameron Beaujon, Former student (‘22)

“He helped me through a rough calculus class post-COVID and saved my college applications rest in peace legend.”

Jenny McGee, Former student (‘02)

“Mr. Kokonis was my junior and senior year math teacher at TC Williams. He was always patient and understanding, and would take time even outside of classes to ensure  students thrived. His dedication to teaching and encouraging students to succeed like myself played a major part in why I am a scientist today. Thank you Mr. Kokonis for your guidance, and may your memory be a blessing.”

Sehar Seba, Former student (‘24)

“Mr. Kokonis, a blessing for me… a caring and loving teacher who always asked the class about me when I’m absent and made sure that I am doing great…

He loved teaching so much that he wouldn’t miss a single day… even come in the day when he got his eyes dilated… He’ll come.

I liked stopping by and thanking him through cards, food and gifts time to time… 

After a long winter break, I went to check on him on Wednesday, the 3rd…

Smiling, Mr. Kokonis greeted me saying, “Oh! Hi Senaar” ( he always called me that and I didn’t mind)

I asked him how he is and that I haven’t seen him in a while. He said he missed seeing me too… and did a lot of work for students over the break… But, he is not feeling well as he fell over the break. ☹️

I asked if he needed any help and told him to stay warm and take care.

We talked for 15 mins as he packed and then I escorted him to the main door on his way out. He wasn’t able to fully walk that day. So to cheer him up I told him what I did over the break. He was happy and proud of my accomplishments.

He told me that he’d planned to stay home on Thursday… as he needed rest.

He said that he’ll see me on Friday or soon and we said good byes at the door.

I didn’t know that this will be our last

I am sad that I won’t be seeing him anymore… but, am happy that we get to spend time and make good memories together…

Those close to our hearts never truly leave us… and Mr. Kokonis has taught generations and passed on so much knowledge that will continue to spread… so he will never leave us.

Rest in peace dear Mr. Kokonis.”

Anonymous, Former student (‘18)

“He was a smart, dedicated man who was passionate about this craft. He was a math teacher but his decisions were made right from his heart. He embodied a missing piece of puzzle that a lot of others missed, love and kindness. He could see a student trying and he would always be available to help no matter the circumstances. 

I, myself was a below average student who graduated with a GPA that was far below 2.0 but my past performances never mattered to him, he would still help me as if i was showing up to class everyday like a 4.0 GPA student. His test retaking strategy was based on kindness of his heart. If it wasnt for his kindness, patience and love for the art of teaching, i would have failed his class and mostly wouldve had a late graduation. On papers i was a terrible student, but that didnt matter to him. He treated me with the same kindness that he treated smartest kid in the class with. I can never forget that. 

I graduated on time in 2018, at the age of 18. Ended up getting hired as a senior engineer 3 months after graduation by a fortune-100 company and became the youngest employee they had ever hired.

It always puzzled me how nice, clam and friendly he was to me when I didnt think I deserved it. His love his craft and for his students paved the way for me to do things after graduation that i couldve never imagined even in my wildest dreams.

May his soul rest in peace and may his legacy persist, timeless and unending, as vast as the march of time itself.”

Bronwyn Turney, Former student (‘24) 

“Mr. Kokonis was an amazing teacher with an unmatched legacy of service to ACPS. He should be honored with the renaming of the high school to Louis Kokonis High School.”

Emma Sapp, Former student (‘18)

“I had always had “math anxiety” throughout my early school years, so when I found out I had Mr. Kokonis as my math teacher sophomore year, I was nervous. I totally painted him as a stickler for perfection, a more traditional teacher who wouldn’t be helpful. I was so wrong. Mr. Kokonis let me retake any test or quiz as many times as I needed to get the grades I was happy with. He was always willing to stay after or stay during lunch. It seemed like I’d always see him driving to and from school in his little brown car. I’d also always catch him at the nearby Planet Fitness doing his exercises after school. I’ll always remember his voice, the way he walked, his everyday clothes, and how the only thing he did quickly was scrawl equations on the board. I remember him recruiting help from his students to pull up YouTube videos for demonstrations, and him smiling from his desk as he watched them. He was truly a gentle soul and I am very saddened by his passing. I will cherish my memories of him, and I hope that there will be a public memorial service in his honor.” 

Maryama Arale, Former student (‘19)

“I had Mr. Kokonis as a student, I took a class with him my senior year of high school, but I had known since I started at Alexandria City then when it was TC Williams. He was the sweetest person in the world and so understanding and just was a very quiet soul but always there for help or just to be there and sit there with you. I didn’t know him much but for the year I had him, it was great.He was always there to help if you needed math help and just was a symbol for TC Williams. I had family members who went to TC Williams in the tent 2000s and the 2010s and he’s just always been there. It is sad to see him go but he will always be remembered.”

Mahdia Hashemi, Former student (‘26)

“Mr.KOKONIS was my advisory teacher in 2023 year. He was an incredible teacher. He was always trying his best to give students opportunity to use his class time to study. He was always kind, and helpful towards his all students. I personally feel so sad to loss a great teacher like him at ACHS. May he rest in peace and his students prayers will be always with him.”

Sirawit Srakaew (Alex), Former student (‘19)

“I had Mr.Kokonis for the last 2 years at TCW/ACHS and I remembered helped him with classes and almost like a TA in a way. At the end of the year before I graduated, he gave me a plaque to honor me as a student that helped him. I am very proud to be his student and really wish that I could see him again but COVID made everything complicated. He motivates me to become math professor as well and that is what I have been doing for both undergraduate and graduate school. I am proud to be his student.”

Rodrigo Bardales, Former student (‘16)

“Mr. Kokonis your commitment to each student’s learning was awe-inspiring! Thank you legend! ”

Tychicus Ashby, Former student (‘25)

“I genuinely didn’t know him. Never had him. Never even had a convo with him. But all I ever heard was great things about him. I remember having a convo with another math teacher and all they could say was good things about him and that he was one of the greatest ppl. He really left an impact on the teachers, students and even parents. I bet if you ask a parent about him he’ll definitely come up. So not only does this show he was great for always pushing despite age it also shows he left a significant message on the future of ACPS Community.”

Greg Ewell, Student at Francis C. Hammond High School circa 62-63, also both daughters had him at TC. 

“We had fun trying to keep up with Mr. Kokonis as he plastered in chalk equations all over the blackboard. He usually wore a wool blazer that would become dusted throughly over with chalk dust. Shoulders, lapels , we tried not to laugh as he was teaching us so well. Decades later my daughters loved and appreciated his dedication.”

Thomas Lane, Former student and TA (‘24)

“Louis Kokonis was the most dedicated person I have ever met in my life. Always staying after school to help students, being there on Saturdays, and teaching for over 60 years, doing it all with a smile on his face. He even gladly let us host the mathematical Putnam Club in his room. Mr. Kokonis was beloved by all of us for his kindness and commitment to teaching us. Whenever other teachers would give him donuts, he would just give them to his students. Mr. Kokonis was an extremely sweet and dedicated man, and I am so honored to have been his student for two years. May he rest in peace.”

Nathan Huang, Former student (‘24)

“His attendence and dedication was immaculate. We would be working on an assignment and half way through class he would show up, and how he got there, well of course he drove to school by himself, despite being 91 years old and returning from an eye surgery. He would also miss name his students, miss write problems on the board or test and have everyone skip over it. Despite that, everything about him from his dedication, knowledge, and the impressive ability to still drive are all what makes him the GOAT! And I still remember the day he called me by my brother’s name, surprised that he still remembers my brother, or maybe that’s only because he didn’t know my name.” 

Kirin Mackey, Former student (‘21)

“I had Mr. Kokonis for both AP Calc BC and DE Differential Equations/Vector Calculus, and have such high respect for him. He was always there to help and on a weekly basis I would attend his office hours for help in studying for his exams. He would welcome me with a smile and we would often write out problems in full on pieces of printer paper rather than a white board. I felt seen as a person who truly cared about studying math rather than a person just trying to fulfill a requirement or just follow the progression of math in high school. I attribute my experience in his classes as part of the reason why I chose to pursue math in college, and I cannot fully express how grateful I am to him because of this.” 

Gabe Porras, Former student (‘25)

“I did not have him as a teacher for long, only this year, but in that time I can confidently say that Mr. Kokonis was the best math teacher I have had in years. I went into Calculus BC feeling like I would fall behind quickly and drop the class after the first week. But with Mr. Kokonis, I was able to learn the information well and, for the first time in a while, feel confident about math. He was always there to help me and answer any questions I had. After school, during lunch, if I ever needed help, he would always be there to give me and every other student the support that we needed.

I don’t know what calc will look like for the rest of the year, whether we will have to self-study or if we will get a new teacher, but I do know that not having him and his many decades of experience will not be nearly the same, and it’s a shame that we won’t have him next year for calc 2 and 3.”

Gordon Shelley, Former student (‘80)

“Sincere condolences to Mr Kokonis’ family on his passing.  Inspired me in high school to earn a BS in Applied Mathematics and eventually become a Mathematician professionally for the past 38 years.  Will always be grateful for opportunity 20 years ago in Safeway to thank him personally while in the check out line.  Fair Winds Mr. K….” 

Co-Editor-in-Chief Chloe Yokitis, Editors James Libresco and Casey Donahue, and Staff Writers Sofia Barile, Max Carpenter, Pablo Cruz, Leo Maucieri, Sean Clements, Derya-Marie Orhan, Nadja Duss and Julia Gwin contributed to this story.