NFHS “Outstanding Music Educators” of 2026 Include 26 NAfME Members

On February 19, 2026, National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) announced the 2026 NFHS Performing Arts Educator Award recipients, including 34 Outstanding Music Educator Awards. Of the music educators honored, 26 are NAfME members. Congratulations to all the honorees—learn which recipients are NAfME members.*

Middle School Music—Section Recipients

Section 1: Rebecca Mallory, Director of Music, Reeds Brook Middle School, Maine

Section 3: Erin Linton, Choir Director, Clinton Junior High School, Mississippi

Section 5: Lance Burnett, Choral Educator, Chanute Middle School, Kansas

Section 7: Susan Willmering, Director of Bands, South Pointe Middle School, California

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Middle School Music—State Recipients

Kevin Swift, Amherst Middle School, New Hampshire

Elisabeth Sato, Middle School Music, New Jersey

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Section Recipients

Section 1: Jessica Chapman, Fillmore Central School, Fillmore, New York

Section 3: Pamela Moody, Jackson Public Schools, Jackson, Mississippi

Section 4: Kyle Weirich, Elkhart Community Schools, Elkhart, Indiana

Section 5: Martha Gabel, Olathe Public Schools, Olathe, Kansas

Section 6: Daniel Holmes, V. Sue Cleveland High School, Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Section 7: RaNae Dalgleish, Hillcrest High School, Midvale, Utah

Section 8: Brian Beck, A.C. Davis High School, Yakima, Washington

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State Recipients

Renae Misner, Lawrence High School, Fairfield, Maine

Thom Untersee, Lin-Wood School, Lincoln, New Hampshire

Malcolm Couden, Saddle Brook High School, Saddle Brook, New Jersey

Daniel Henderson, Clayton Schools, Clayton, Missouri

Nate Sikkink, KMS High School, Kerkhoven, Minnesota

Steveanne Bielich, Bethany Public Schools, Bethany, Oklahoma

Terry Hicks, Bentonville High School, Bentonville, Arkansas

Adam Green, Skyline High School, Oakland, California

Morgan Harms, Broken Bow High School, Broken Bow, Nebraska

Amber Yester, North Bend High School, North Bend, Oregon

Gino Hernandez, South High School, Cheyenne, Wyoming

Meagen Andrew, Minico High School and West Minico Middle School, Paul, Idaho

Jeff Skogley, Cascade Public Schools, Cascade, Montana

* This number reflects those whose memberships were current at the time of this announcement and is subject to change.