2023 Annual Awards for Excellence Recipients
OUTSTANDING MUSIC EDUCATOR
Laura Allison, Ridge Ruxton School, Baltimore County
Laura Allison is in her 16th year of teaching. She has taught at the elementary level and at a school for children with disabilities. She has been nominated for Teacher of the Year three times, accepted a teacher’s union recognition award, and has received multiple music grants. She leads teacher sessions about adapting music instruction for students with disabilities and wrote an adapted curriculum. She has a passion for ensuring that ALL students have access to high quality music instruction.
Elizabeth Babylon, Sudlersville Middle School, Queen Anne's County
Betsy Babylon holds degrees from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory and Peabody Institute of Music, Music Education from Penn State, and a Master’s in Special Education from the University of Kansas. This helped Babylon serve a diverse group of learners specializing in multi-sensory learning at Radcliffe Creek School prior to joining QACPS, where she created the first ever middle school Strings Program with Principal Rob Watkins. Betsy enjoys playing the piano, viola, and has three adorable children.
Malcolm Bratcher Jr., Pocomoke Elementary School, Worcester County
Malcolm Bratcher is a 5th year teacher at Pocomoke Elementary School. Malcolm is a graduate of Salisbury University where he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education and is currently completing his master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Beyond the classroom, Malcolm also teaches two after-school academies, Broadway Kids, a musical theater class, and Piano Prodigies, helping students learn to play the piano. In addition, he also hosts a youth musical theatre summer camp.
Susan Eckerle, Thomas S. Wootton High School, Montgomery County
Educator, conductor, and clinician, Susan Eckerle earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Louisiana State University and Master of Arts, Performance (Conducting) from California State University, Fresno. She has taught for 28+ as a band director in Mississippi, Hawaii, and Maryland public schools. She brings an energetic and enthusiastic approach to her teaching, keeping the students at the forefront of her work.
Lauren Walker, Broadneck High School, Anne Arundel County
Mrs. Walker is the lead vocal teacher for the Apex Arts Magnet Program at Broadneck High School in Anne Arundel County and Artistic Director of the All Children's Chorus of Annapolis. A dedicated professional, Mrs. Walker is in high demand as a guest conductor in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. She is passionate about music literacy and the mental health of her students and believes building strong relationships is vital to the success of her ensembles.
Grace White, Colgate Elementary School, Baltimore County
Grace White, coined Ms. Blue by her students because of her blue hair, is a music teacher in Baltimore County. She has taught vocal music at Colgate Elementary since she graduated St. Mary's College of Maryland in 2015. A few years into her career, she began making kid-friendly-but-not-just-for-kids songs and videos to help her students learn. She is thrilled to now see them being used outside of her classroom and looks forward to conducting a new piece at the BCPS Choral Festival this spring.
John Wixted, Mardela Middle and High School, Wicomico County
John Wixted (JW), is honored to be receiving this recognition. JW is the choir and theatre director at Mardela Middle & High School in Wicomico County of the Eastern Shore, where he teaches 6-12 graders in a variety of honors and non-performing choirs, general music, acting, and musical theatre classes, a female show choir, drama club, and Tri-M. Beyond MMHS JW is the Vice President of ESCDA, was a founding member and is currently on the executive board for Wicomico's All-County Musical.
OUTSTANDING MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR
Lynnette Moore, Mount View Middle School, Howard County
Lynnette Moore is the very proud Principal of Mount View Middle School in Howard County. Ms. Moore often shares how blessed she is to have her office close to the Related Arts hallway so she can hear students performing all day. Ms. Moore is humbled by the MMEA’s Award of Excellence recognition because she works with a Music Department that truly lives her motto of “Value the Content, Love the Student.” They provide an environment of exploration, education, and excellence. #Samakajo
Rob Watkins, Sudlersville Middle School, Queen Anne's County
Rob Watkins has spent 22 years with QACPS as a Math Teacher, Teacher Specialist, Asst Principal, Supervisor of Mathematics, and Principal at Sudlersville Middle School. He has a Bachelor's in Mathematics, and an M.Ed in Leadership. Rob resides in Ridgely, MD with his beautiful wife Nicole, and two wonderful daughters Evie and Katie. As an educator, Rob is passionate about inspiring students to find their passion and be lifelong learners, developing the first ever QACPS Strings Program at SMS.
THE CORWIN TAYLOR
MUSIC EDUCATION LEADERSHIP AWARD
Dara Case, Thomas G. Pullen K-8 Creative and Performing Arts School, Prince George's County
Mrs. Case has been serving the students and teachers of Prince George’s County since 2004. She has worked to reduce barriers to music education while welcoming early career educators into her classroom. She asks tough questions on the way to finding solutions, and most recently testified before the Accountability and Implementation Board on the vital need to protect funding for all arts education in the state of Maryland. At the heart of her career is her love for students, past and present.
MMEA HALL OF FAME
Melvin Miles, Jr., Morgan State University, Retired
Melvin N. Miles, Jr., is the former Director of University Bands and Instructor of Music at Morgan State University. He taught Instrumental Music, Brass and Woodwind Methods, Instrumental Music Repertoire, Conducting and served as the Wind, Percussion and String Faculty Coordinator. Melvin served on the Morgan State University faculty from 1973 to 2022. He is a member of the CBDNA, NAfME, MMEA, MBDA, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Melvin Miles resides in Baltimore with his wife Cathy.
Jim Wharton, Baltimore County, Retired
Jim Wharton inspires students to excel in music and to share their joy of music with others. In addition to leading highly successful ensembles, he founded the first school steel band in the state. Since then, over twenty school steel band programs have been formed in Maryland. In his honor, the Catonsville HS auditorium was named “Wharton Hall,” and dedicated to “a music teacher and director whose spirit has and will continue to make music ‘much more than just playing notes and rhythms."
Destinatarios de premios anteriores
Educador musical destacado *
2020
Andrea Cameron, Escuela Intermedia Robert Frost, Condado de Montgomery
Carol Cox, Escuela Primaria Bodkin, Condado de Anne Arundel
Jana Davis Hobbs, Escuela secundaria de Wicomico, Condado de Wicomico
Allen Kessell, Franklin High School, condado de Baltimore
2019
Sarah Burton, Escuela Primaria North Salisbury, Escuela Intermedia Bennett, Escuela Secundaria Parkside, Escuela Secundaria James M. Bennett, Condado de Wicomico
Emily James, Escuela Primaria South Shore, Condado de Anne Arundel
Randine Levy, Escuela Intermedia Roberto Clemente, Condado de Montgomery
David Matchim, Centennial High School, condado de Howard
Lisa Adams, Escuela Intermedia de Berlín, Condado de Worcester
2018
Kenneth Dasher, escuela primaria y media de Pittsville, condado de Wicomico
Paul Heinemann, Escuela Intermedia Rocky Hill, Condado de Montgomery
Anne Marie Patterson y Theodore Davis Escuela secundaria, condado de Charles
Thomas K. Pierre, Jr., Escuela Primaria Glassmanor, Condado de Prince Georges
James Woomert, escuela secundaria de Atholton, condado de Howard
2017
Día de Shannon
Lewis Dutrow
Doug Miles
Lynn Staininger
Administrador escolar sobresaliente *
2020 - John Taylor, Escuela Intermedia Cabin John, Condado de Montgomery
2019 - Matthew Record, Escuela Intermedia Pocomoke, Condado de Worcester
2018 - Jazmin G. Lawhorn, Escuela Primaria Crofton, Condado de Anne Arundel
2017 - Chris Rattay
Programa de música ejemplar de MMEA / NAfME *
2020 - Escuela secundaria Eleanor Roosevelt, condado de Prince George
2018 - Escuela primaria Homestead-Wakefield, condado de Harford
2017 - Escuela secundaria Ellicott Mills, condado de Howard
Premio al liderazgo en educación musical Corwin Taylor
Premio al servicio Rosemary & James Walters
Salón de la fama de MMEA
The Corwin Taylor Music Education Leadership Award
2020 - Todd J. Burroughs
2019 - Scott Herman
2018 - Michael L. Mark
2017 - Anita Lambert
2013 - Nancy S. Grasmick
2012 - C. Nelson Fritts
2011 - Richard J. Deasy
2010 - Katherine A. Rodeffer
2009 - Joan Orcutt
2005 - Linda Patton
2004 - Chris Tuel
2002 - Mary Ellen Cohn
1999 - Barbara F. King
1998 - Phyllis T. Kaplan
1998 - Roger J. Folstrom
1997 - James L. Tucker, Jr.
1996 - Mary Ann Mears
1995 - Rosa Fletcher Crocker
1994 - Karen Douglas
The Rosemary & James Walters Service Award
2020 - Janet Gross
2017 - Ginny Flynn
2015 - Sally Wagner
2014 - James L. Turk
2013 - Jan Strevig
2012 - Deborah Turner
2011 - Howard L. Miskimon
2011 - Sabra C. Steward
2010 - Mabel Leonore Sawhill
2004 - Richard A. Disharoon
2003 - Chrystie L. Adams
2002 - Thomas W. Fugate
MMEA Hall of Fame
2020 - Charles Haslup (póstumo)
2019 - Chris Vadala (póstumo)
2018 - Gilbert A. Brungardt (póstumo)
2014 - Dana Rothlisberger
2013 - Ray Danner
2012 - Cherie Stellaccio
2012 - C. Scott Sharnetzka
2011 - Lee Stevens
2010 - Bruce D. Wilson
2009 - Leone Y. Woodall
2008 - Richard A. Disharoon
2008 - James L. Tucker, Jr.
2007 - Olivia W. Gutoff
2006 - Mary Ellen Cohn
2006 - John Wakefield
2005 - Barbara F. King
2005 - Michael L. Mark
2004 - Roger J. Folstrom
2004 - Phyllis R. Kaplan
2003 - Batalla de Leroy
2003 - Glenn Patterson
2000 - Mildred B. Trevvett
1999 - Nancy M. Cook
1999 - Hna. Mary Theresine Staub SSND
1998 - Maurice R. Feldman
1997 - Clarence T. Rogers
1996 - James H. Avampato
1996 - Carmelo J. Palazzo
1995 - David Marchand
1995 - W. Warren Sprouse
1994 - Shirley J. Shelley
1994 - Donald Regier
1994 - Mildred R. Reiner
1995 - David Marchand
1995 - W. Warren Sprouse
1994 - Shirley J. Shelley
1994 - Donald Regier
1994 - Mildred R. Reiner
1993 - Thomas W. Fugate
1993 - C. William Johnson
1993 - Michael Pastelak
1992 - Blanche F. Bowlsbey
1992 - Joseph F. Chalker
1992 - James L. Fisher
1991 - John Fignar, Jr.
1990 - Robert E. Kersey
1990 - Dorothy S. Pickard
1989 - Alice S. Beer
1989 - Thomas R. Lawrence
1989 - Corwin H. Taylor
1988 - Margaret Black
1988 - Robert S. Bolles
1988 - David Burchuck
1988 - Frances Jackman Civis
1988 - John Cole
1988 - María G. Cruz
1988 - John Denues
1988 - Nicolás Geriak
1988 - Thomas L. Gibson
1988 - Rose Marie Grentzer
1988 - S. Fenton Harris
1988 - Miriam Hoffman
1988 - Mary M. Hunter
1988 - John Itzel
1988 - Henrietta Baker Low
1988 - Otto Ortmann
1988 - Philip S. Royer
1988 - Osmar Steinwald
1988 - Charles CT Stull
1988 - Eugene W. Troth
1988 - Homer Ulrich
1988 - C. James Velie
1988 - Levi Wilder
1988 - Dorothy Willison
1988 - William Llewelyn Wilson
*We are working to complete these lists and will update them as we can.
Educador de música sobresaliente
Este premio reconoce y honra a los educadores musicales por su destacado servicio a los estudiantes de música en escuelas públicas, privadas o independientes en el estado de Maryland. Estos premios se entregan anualmente.
Administrador escolar sobresaliente
Este premio es para reconocer a los administradores no artísticos que son defensores y partidarios de la música, que trabajan con el equipo de música para crear programas musicales increíbles para sus escuelas y comunidades. Este premio puede presentarse anualmente.
Programa de música ejemplar de MMEA / NAfME
Este premio es para reconocer los programas musicales destacados. El premio se basará en la medida en que el programa cumpla con los estándares establecidos en la publicación de NAfME, The School Music Program: Description and Standards. Cualquier escuela que no haya recibido el premio en los últimos cinco años es elegible.
Premio al liderazgo en educación musical Corwin Taylor
Este premio es para reconocer a una persona que ha hecho una contribución significativa a la educación musical de los jóvenes de Maryland, ya sea como maestro, administrador, padre, representante de la industria, intérprete o en otra capacidad. El Premio al Liderazgo en Educación Musical Corwin Taylor se estableció en 1993 en memoria del Dr. Corwin H. Taylor (1905-1992), destacado músico, compositor, autor y educador. El Dr. Taylor, un miembro activo de la Conferencia Nacional de Educadores de Música (ahora Asociación Nacional para la Educación Musical, NAfME) y la Asociación de Educadores de Música de Maryland, fue Supervisor de Música Instrumental para el sistema de Escuelas Públicas de Baltimore de 1945 a 1968 y miembro de la facultad en la Universidad de Maryland en College Park de 1968 a 1976. Siempre será recordado por el gran impacto que tuvo en las vidas y carreras de sus estudiantes y colegas. El premio puede presentarse anualmente.
Premio Rosemary y James Walters al servicio
Este premio es para reconocer a una persona que haya hecho una contribución significativa a la Asociación de Educadores de Música de Maryland. El Premio Rosemary y James Walters al servicio de la Asociación de Educadores de Música de Maryland se estableció en 2001 en memoria de Rosemary y James Walters. Sus carreras docentes estuvieron en Maryland, durante 30 años hasta un trágico accidente en abril de 2001. Jim enseñó música instrumental, más recientemente en la escuela secundaria Francis Scott Key en el condado de Montgomery, mientras que Rosemary enseñó música coral. Juntos, caracterizaron la esencia de apoyar la profesión de la educación musical. Apoyaron a sus compañeros, jóvenes y experimentados, y apoyaron todas las actividades profesionales de la asociación y la comunidad musical escolar. Jim se desempeñó como presidente de MBDA, pero su contribución no se limitó a las actividades de la banda. Rosemary finalmente dejó el aula para trabajar a tiempo completo en música religiosa, pero su participación como maestra sustituta de música y como acompañante continuó. En casi cualquier evento de MMEA, era típico ver a Jim y Rosemary ofreciéndose para ayudar cuando no estaban "de servicio", haciendo lo que fuera necesario. El premio puede presentarse anualmente.
Salón de la fama de MMEA
Este premio es para reconocer a un individuo por la excelencia en la enseñanza y / o administración, las contribuciones y mejoras realizadas en la educación musical, el mejoramiento de la profesión a través de un servicio o actos ejemplares, oficinas profesionales, publicaciones, premios, reconocimientos, actuaciones e ideales profesionales y académicos. integridad.