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."
Lauréats précédents
Éducateur musical exceptionnel*
2020
Andrea Cameron, école intermédiaire Robert Frost, comté de Montgomery
Carol Cox, École primaire Bodkin, comté d'Anne Arundel
Jana Davis Hobbs, lycée de Wicomico, comté de Wicomico
Allen Kessell, Lycée Franklin, Comté de Baltimore
2019
Sarah Burton, école primaire de North Salisbury, école intermédiaire Bennett, école secondaire Parkside, école secondaire James M. Bennett, comté de Wicomico
Emily James, école primaire South Shore, comté d'Anne Arundel
Randine Levy, collège Roberto Clemente, comté de Montgomery
David Matchim, École secondaire Centennial, comté de Howard
Lisa Adams, école intermédiaire de Berlin, comté de Worcester
2018
Kenneth Dasher, école primaire et intermédiaire de Pittsville, comté de Wicomico
Paul Heinemann, Rocky Hill Middle School, comté de Montgomery
Anne-Marie Patterson, Théodore Davis Collège, comté de Charles
Thomas K. Pierre, Jr., École primaire Glassmanor, comté de Prince Georges
James Woomert, École secondaire d'Atholton, comté de Howard
2017
Jour de Shannon
Lewis Dutrow
Doug Miles
lynn coloration
Administrateur d'école exceptionnel*
2020 - John Taylor, école intermédiaire Cabin John, comté de Montgomery
2019 - Matthew Record, Pocomoke Middle School, comté de Worcester
2018 - Jazmin G. Lawhorn, École primaire Crofton, comté d'Anne Arundel
2017 - Chris Rattay
Programme de musique exemplaire MMEA/NAfME*
2020 - École secondaire Eleanor Roosevelt, comté de Prince George
2018 - École primaire Homestead-Wakefield, comté de Harford
2017 - Ellicott Mills Middle School, comté de Howard
Prix Corwin Taylor du leadership en éducation musicale
Prix de service Rosemary et James Walters
Temple de la renommée 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. Folström
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 Léonore Sawhill
2004 – Richard A. Disharoon
2003 – Chrystie L. Adams
2002 – Thomas W. Fugate
MMEA Hall of Fame
2020 — Charles Haslup (Posthume)
2019 – Chris Vadala (Posthume)
2018 – Gilbert A. Brungardt (Posthume)
2014 – Dana Rothlisberger
2013 – Ray Danner
2012 – Cherie Stellaccio
2012 – C. Scott Sharnetzka
2011 – Lee Stevens
2010 – Bruce D. Wilson
2009 – Léone 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. Folström
2004 – Phyllis R. Kaplan
2003 – Bataille de Leroy
2003 – Glenn Patterson
2000 – Mildred B. Trevvett
1999 – Nancy M. Cook
1999 – Sr. Marie-Thérèse 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 Régier
1994 – Mildred R. Reiner
1995 – David Marchand
1995 – W. Warren Sprouse
1994 – Shirley J. Shelley
1994 – Donald Régier
1994 – Mildred R. Reiner
1993 – Thomas W. Fugate
1993 – C. William Johnson
1993 – Michel 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. Bière
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 – Mary G. Croix
1988 – John Denues
1988 – Nicolas Geriak
1988 – Thomas L. Gibson
1988 – Rose-Marie Grentzer
1988 – S. Fenton Harris
1988 – Myriam Hoffmann
1988 – Mary M. Hunter
1988 – Jean Itzel
1988 – Henrietta Baker Low
1988 – Otto Ortmann
1988 – Philippe S. Royer
1988 – Osmar Steinwald
1988 – Charles CT Stull
1988 – Eugène 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.
Éducateur musical exceptionnel
Ce prix reconnaît et honore les professeurs de musique pour leurs services exceptionnels aux étudiants en musique dans les écoles publiques, privées ou indépendantes de l'État du Maryland. Ces prix sont décernés chaque année.
Administrateur d'école exceptionnel
Ce prix récompense les administrateurs non artistiques qui sont des défenseurs et des supporters de la musique, travaillant avec l'équipe musicale pour créer des programmes de musique incroyables pour leurs écoles et leurs communautés. Ce prix peut être remis annuellement.
Programme de musique exemplaire MMEA/NAfME
Ce prix récompense des programmes musicaux exceptionnels. Le prix sera basé sur la mesure dans laquelle le programme répond aux normes énoncées dans la publication NAfME, The School Music Program: Description and Standards. Toute école qui n'a pas reçu le prix au cours des cinq années précédentes est éligible.
Prix Corwin Taylor du leadership en éducation musicale
Ce prix récompense une personne qui a apporté une contribution significative à l'éducation musicale des jeunes du Maryland, que ce soit en tant qu'enseignant, administrateur, parent, représentant de l'industrie, interprète ou à un autre titre. Le Corwin Taylor Music Education Leadership Award a été créé en 1993 à la mémoire du Dr Corwin H. Taylor (1905-1992), musicien, compositeur, auteur et éducateur de renom. Le Dr Taylor, membre actif de la Conférence nationale des éducateurs de musique (maintenant Association nationale pour l'éducation musicale, NAfME) et de la Maryland Music Educators Association, a été superviseur de la musique instrumentale pour le système scolaire public de Baltimore de 1945 à 1968 et membre du corps professoral de l'Université du Maryland à College Park de 1968 à 1976. On se souviendra toujours de lui pour le grand impact qu'il a eu sur la vie et la carrière de ses étudiants et collègues. Le prix peut être remis annuellement.
Prix Rosemary et James Walters pour service
Ce prix récompense une personne qui a apporté une contribution significative à la Maryland Music Educators Association. Le Rosemary and James Walters Award for Service to the Maryland Music Educators Association a été créé en 2001 à la mémoire de Rosemary et James Walters. Leurs carrières d'enseignant se sont déroulées dans le Maryland, s'étalant sur 30 ans jusqu'à un tragique accident en avril 2001. Jim a enseigné la musique instrumentale, plus récemment à la Francis Scott Key Middle School dans le comté de Montgomery tandis que Rosemary a enseigné la musique chorale. Ensemble, ils ont caractérisé l'essence du soutien à la profession de l'éducation musicale. Ils ont soutenu leurs collègues, jeunes et aguerris, et ils ont soutenu toutes les activités professionnelles de l'association et de la communauté musicale scolaire. Jim a été président de MBDA, mais sa contribution ne s'est pas limitée aux activités du groupe. Rosemary a finalement quitté la salle de classe pour travailler à temps plein dans la musique d'église, mais son implication en tant que professeur de musique suppléante et en tant qu'accompagnatrice s'est poursuivie. À presque tous les événements MMEA, il était typique de voir Jim et Rosemary offrir leur aide lorsqu'ils n'étaient pas «de service», faisant tout ce qui devait être fait. Le prix peut être remis annuellement.
Temple de la renommée MMEA
Ce prix récompense une personne pour l'excellence dans l'enseignement et/ou l'administration, les contributions et les améliorations apportées à l'éducation musicale, l'amélioration de la profession par des services ou des actes exemplaires, des fonctions professionnelles, des publications, des prix, des reconnaissances, des performances et des idéaux professionnels et académiques. intégrité.