Jessie Clark Boasts Kentucky’s Strings Director of the Year

A veteran music educator at Jessie Clark Middle School is the American String Teachers Association’s 2026 Outstanding Director of the Year for Kentucky. Michelle Hudson, who teaches orchestra and guitar, accepted the award during the recent Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) state conference in Louisville. She is also chair of the KMEA Orchestra. 

“I am so thankful to be honored by my community for my love of teaching, pedagogy, and all things strings,” said Hudson, who was nominated by colleague Ben McWhorter of Tates Creek High School (pictured). “My favorite part of my job is getting to have the same students for multiple years in a row so I can foster their growth and love for music.”

Hudson has taught music for 19 years in her native Florida and in Kentucky, including 14 at Jessie Clark Middle. A graduate of Florida State University, she has a bachelor’s in Cello Performance with a minor in Business and a master’s degree in Music Education.