Richmond Hill High School recently named Dr. Daniel Kiene its 2010-11 Teacher of the Year.

“I am thrilled and humbled,” Kiene said. “We have an outstanding school and great teachers and staff, so I am especially excited to be chosen by such a strong group of educators.”

In speaking about Kiene, who directs the school’s band, Assistant Principal Dawn Hadley said, “Danny teaches students first, then music. He has high expectations of his students and gives them what they need to reach them.”

Under Kiene’s direction, the band was named the grand champion at the 2010 Battle on the Border marching competition in Lowndes County, and his symphonic band received ratings of straight “superiors” at the 2011 GMEA large group performance evaluation.

Twenty-eight students were selected for the 2011 GMEA District Honor Band, and five students were picked for the Georgia All-State Band.

“He has earned the deepest respect of his students and the full and undying support of his colleagues on staff at the school as well as his boosters,” principal Dr. Charles Spann said.

Kiene now will advance to compete for the system teacher of the year and state teacher of the year.