TROY, Ala. (AP) -- The Kennedy Center for the Performing Art has named Troy University's band director emeritus, Johnny Long, as one of the winners of the Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards.

Long was nominated by former students at Troy and at Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery. Long said he's humbled to be one of 10 people selected for the award because all he ever wanted to be was a teacher.

Each recipient receives a $10,000 cash award.

Long served as director of bands at Troy form 1965-1996. He is a past president of the American Bandmasters Association.

AP-WF-03-24-12 0933GMT