Each year, CuCPS selects an Alumni of the Year which recognizes a graduate of Cumberland County Public Schools (CuCPS) who has demonstrated leadership in his/her chosen field; made significant contributions to society and/or CuCPS; has demonstrated service in local, state, or national affair; and has served as an outstanding role model for future students. The 2025 Alumni of the Year is Mr. Alfonso Bell.
Mr. Alfonso Bell, a 1987 graduate of Cumberland High School, currently serves as the Transportation Coordinator for Cumberland County Public Schools. He has held other positions at CuCPS as well. Some years he held multiple positions concurrently—for several years he served as both Transportation Coordinator and Maintenance Manager. For some years, he also served as the Athletic Director. He coached for CuCPS for 21 years and was head football coach for 11 years. He has been recognized for his achievements several times. He received the Virginia High School League Award of Merit for Region 1B in 2023. This award is given to individuals who have had an impact on VHSL programs at the school, conference, regional, or state level. He was named Coach of the Year for football by the VHSL. He also has been selected by his peers to lead the Region 8 Transportation Directors.
Mr. Bell has consistently worked for the betterment of his county, his school division, and the youth of Cumberland. He was instrumental in establishing the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame that recognizes CHS athletes, coaches, and teams that excelled in their respective sports or coaching roles and those who helped bring honor, recognition, distinction, and excellence to CHS by their conduct both on and off the field or court competition. When five students at VCU wanted to start a football club, they needed coaches, and Mr. Bell became one of the three volunteer coaches to help the club get started. Mr. Bell also helped start the Assassins athletic club in 2010 and served as the head coach. This organization helps promote athletic competition and helps mentor young athletes. In addition, Mr. Bell established a mentoring program at CHS to provide support for young men. He has also been instrumental in helping students get scholarships to enable them to go to college.
He is active in his church as well as in community organizations, currently serving as the chairman of the Cumberland Youth League. He was instrumental in helping secure the new CHS track, often acts as a mentor for new coaches, and consistently promotes the school division in the community.
Caption: Mr. Alfonso Bell is added to the Cumberland County Public Schools Alumni Hall of Fame for 2025.