By Allison Ortega Benites ’26
There are students that always observe the people around them and focus on the positive aspects of a person. Specifically, in school, there are teachers that students know they will receive any type of help they need. Kevin Daly, a Derby High School teacher who teaches Introduction to Art, Mixed Media, Drawing and Painting, AP Art, and a UCCon EC Drawing class, is an approachable resource to learn about.
Mr. Daly was born and raised in Cheshire, Connecticut. Daly has two younger brothers and has always been a person who cares for and values his family. In high school, he played sports, which included skiing, tennis, and baseball. Besides sports, Daly was a great academic student who always had straight A’s and B’s. Growing up, Daly had little interest in art up until his junior year, when he started to observe other artists, modern art, as well as visiting museums. The different designs, colors, and styles are what attracted him to the profession, and he started to take classes where he was able to improve his skills in drawing and painting. “At the time I saw all of the typical stuff and meanings about Art. What helped a lot was my art teacher having many modern art books,” stated Daly. He put in the effort, and that led him to become an amazing art teacher years later. After graduating from high school, Daly attended Parsons School of Design in New York. Teaching was never his set plan of action, but later on in life it came into Daly’s path.
Mr. Daly has a wife, one son, and two stepsons. He and his wife got married in 2019. His son attends Cheshire High School as a senior, and this impacts Daly because it helps him understand the student’s mind from a different point of view. His wife is a teacher as well; they both have a connection where they can help each other improve their teaching and the way they help others. Before teaching, Daly started his own business in cabinet making, and to this day, he occasionally still continues it. Outside of school, Daly sells honey from two farms. This is a small hobby that he loves to do. His hobby is still a success in the warmer seasons when the honey is produced in increased amounts. This is a fun, small activity that he has for himself that doesn’t have to do with teaching.
“I have AP Art with Mr. Daly, and he is very helpful and gives a lot of advice to his students, and I would describe him as outgoing,” stated Kiera Boyles ‘27. Besides teaching art, Daly has always made sure his students receive the help they need, especially those who don’t like art. Art isn’t just a subject; it is something beautiful where students can work on their creativity and let their imagination flow endlessly with no limitations. “Getting students to do their best and reach their potential, even if it’s not with Art.” His goal as a teacher is to have his students be able to work on and improve their creativity. For students who may not be as interested, he still tries his best to keep them motivated. When it comes to college planning, he has enough experience to help students choose the best major and school and give them guidance. Mr. Daly will always have his passion for art and teaching, and because of these reasons, he is able to help others who also have a small interest make something bigger and expand their possibilities in life, not just limit themselves to the bare minimum.
The Raider Press 