The Northeast KMEA District had a very successful Mini-Convention on Saturday, December 2. One of the highlights of the convention is the opportunity to recognize outstanding people who inspire their students everyday. At the convention, the following Outstanding Educators and Administrators were recognized for their work and dedication. Congratulations to these very deserving music educators!
2017 – 2018 NEKMEA Outstanding Music Educator Awards
Outstanding Choir Teacher (High School)
Laura VanLeeuwen, Olathe West HS, 17 years
Pam Williamson, Olathe Northwest High School, 26 years
Outstanding Orchestra Teacher (High School)
Greg Ferguson, Olathe South HS, 30+ years
Outstanding Band Teacher (High School)
Daniel Freeman, 12 years at Blue Valley North High School
Outstanding Middle Level Band Director
Aimee DeSotel, Eisenhower MS (KCK) band/orchestra 6-8, 11 years, middle level band
Outstanding Middle Level Choir Director
Erin Stewart, Prairie Trail Middle School (Olathe), 16 years
Outstanding Middle Level Orchestra Director
Jennifer Klinkenberg, Prairie Trail Middle School, 17 years
Outstanding Elementary Music Teacher
Fred Zimmerman, Frank Rushton Elementary KCK, 25 years
The NEKMEA District also honors young teachers who must meet the following criteria to be recognized. Educators must be new to the profession and have served their students, communities, and profession in an exemplary manner. Nominees must have completed two years, but not more than nine years of teaching and be a member of KMEA. Any music educator in the Northeast KMEA District may submit a nominee. Congratulations to the following teachers…
Outstanding Young Educator of the Year
Teresa Edgar, Strings Teacher at Washington High School, Bethel, JFK, & White Church Elementary Schools in Kansas City Kansas Public Schools
Outstanding Young Educator of the Year
Joel Wagoner, Assistant Director of Bands at Blue Valley North High School and 5th Grade Beginning Band Instructor at Valley Park and Mission Trail Elementary Schools
Finally, it was our privilege to recognize Mr. Jon Pfau, Superintendent of Oskaloosa Public Schools, USD #341, as our Outstanding Honor Administrator. He is a strong advocate for music education and has supported his teachers for many years. Thank you to Stewart O’Neill who nominated Mr. Jon Pfau for this prestigious award!
