Onalaska Teacher Honored with State Music Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Phone: 608-850-3566
Web: www.wsmamusic.org
WAUNAKEE, Wis., (October 15, 2007) – Onalaska High School instrumental music teacher Dawson Strutt has been named recipient of the 2007 Wisconsin Award for Excellence in Teaching Music – a statewide award co-sponsored by the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) and Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA) recognizing the state’s finest and most exemplary music educators.
Dawson Strutt was formally honored at the Onalaska home football game the evening of Thursday, October 18. In addition to a $500 unrestricted cash grant, there is a plaque for permanent display at Onalaska High School. Strutt’s name has also been added to the plaque on permanent display at the Wisconsin Center for Music Education, Waunakee.
Letters of support were written on Strutt’s behalf as part of the nomination process. Parent Beth Stay was one of many who nominated Strutt for the award and referenced his ability to lead by example when going the extra mile to achieve a goal. “Tireless, inspirational, enthusiastic, demanding, flexible, compassionate, affable…these are just some of the adjectives that describe Dawson Strutt,” noted Stay.
“I have observed students interacting with Mr. Strutt on numerous occasions and I can tell that he has made a huge difference in their lives,” said community member Cheryl Hancock.
Teacher colleague Paul Gulsvig expressed how Strutt has made a difference in the Onalaska school community. “In 33 years as an educator, I have never seen a team player like Dawson,” said Gulsvig.
In order to be eligible for the Wisconsin Award for Excellence in Teaching Music, candidates must have at least 10 years of certified music teaching experience in a public and/or private school and have been involved in service with WSMA and WMEA. Additionally, three people with different relationships to the candidate must submit nominations.
Nomination applications for the 2008 Wisconsin Award for Excellence in Teaching Music will be available in November by going to www.wsmamusic.org or www.wmea.com.
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The Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) is a service organization with more than 1,000 member public and private schools. Each year, more than 220,000 students take the initiative to become involved in WSMA activities, including District and State Music Festivals, State Honors Projects, State Marching Band Championships and Concert Festivals. WSMA, also owner and operator of the Wisconsin Center for Music Education, is governed by a Board of Directors made up of superintendents, principals and other officers from all over our state. WSMA believes music is a basic human need and that all children have the right to experience all that music offers them.
The Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA) is a membership association of music educators, school administrators, and others interested in seeing the youth in Wisconsin receive a well-rounded education that includes a comprehensive music program taught by certified music teachers. WMEA is the state affiliate of MENC: The National Association for Music Education.