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Winners
Congratulations to the 2020 FMEA Award Winners
The following pages highlight the award winners from the 2020 FMEA Awards Ceremony.
Music Educators of the Year (Pages 23-25) The FMEA Music Educator of the Year is awarded to a music educator who has served his/her students, community, and profession in an exemplary manner. This award r ecognizes outstanding merit in music teaching. The recipient must have demonstrated notable achievement as a m usic education professional for 10 or more years.
Superintendent of the Year (Page 26) The FMEA Superintendent of the Year is awarded to the Florida school district superintendent who is not a professional music educator, but has displayed ardent support of t he district’s school music programs. This award recognizes leadership, excellence in encouragement, and promotion o f music education in Florida schools.
Leadership Award (Page 27) The FMEA Leadership Award is presented to an individual who demonstrates outstanding and sustained skill in a l eadership or an administrative capacity and who carries the mission of FMEA forward throughout the state and/or the nation. The recipient must have demonstrated notable achievements as a leader in promotion of music education and a continued commitment to the profession.
Administrator of the Year (Page 28) The FMEA Administrator of the Year is awarded to a school administrator who is not a professional music educator, but who displays ardent support of the school music p rogram. This award recognizes leadership, excellence
Florida Music Director in encouragement, and promotion of music education in Florida schools. The recipient must have demonstrated sig nificant efforts in support of music education resulting in a wareness or enhancement of the school’s music program and allocation of resources.
FMEA Music Education Service Awards (Page 29) The Music Education Service designation is awarded to music educators who have been active in music education for 25 years or more. This award recognizes the outstand ing service of our members who have committed themselves to this profession for most of their adult lives.
F MEA Music Enrollment Awards (Pages 30-31) The Middle and High School Music Enrollment Award is presented to music programs demonstrating high enrollment in music courses. This award recognizes the effectiveness of programs that offer attractive music curricula a s well as those that excel in the recruitment and retention of students. Schools hold the award for three years. They may be looked to as models of quality programming, scheduling, and recruitment and retention of students. In order to qualify for this award, at least 30% at the high school level and 45% at the middle school level of the entire student body must be enrolled in a music course. This year, we are proud to announce that 26 schools will be recognized. Sixteen of these schools have half or more of their total student population enrolled in music education courses!
Virginia B. Dickert
Jacksonville Country Day School Nominated by Joani Slawson on behalf of FEMEA
Virginia Dickert has lived in Jacksonville, Florida, her entire life. She holds the BME and the MA in teaching from Jacksonville University. She has spent over 39 years teaching in both the private and public school systems of Jacksonville, as well as conducting choirs in several local churches. She has been the music specialist at Jacksonville Country Day School for 25 years and still teaches there today. She has also served as conductor for all-county honor choirs in Camden County, Georgia, and Alachua County, Florida. In 2018, the University of North Florida chose Virginia to be one of four teachers recognized with the Gladys Prior Award for Career Teaching Excellence.
Mrs. Dickert has been highly involved in FEMEA for many years. She consistently has students participate in the all-state elementary performing groups, and she assists with logistics each year. In 2004, she brought a group to perform at the FMEA Professional Development Conference. In 2011 and again in 2020, Virginia led the sight-reading session at the conference, and in 2019, she offered her expertise in a conference panel of elementary teachers who consistently had
students participate in all-state elementary performing groups.
Always seeking to help those less fortunate, Virginia has successfully written grant projects through FEMEA and the Jacksonville Symphony Guild, bringing instruments and collaborative music experiences to Title I public schools in Duval County. In 2009, she won the FEMEA Dorothy Land President’s Grant for Drumline Buddies and in 2011 for Buddy Drummers. In 2013, Virginia was recognized with the FMEA Exemplary Project Award for her work in collaborating her students with those in Title I schools. Laurie Zentz described, “It is Virginia Dickert’s unselfish drive and enthusiasm for bringing high-quality musical experiences to all children that defines her professional career.”
Virginia’s service to her local Orff chapter is equally impressive as she hosts workshops, provides instruments and facilities, and offers support in many other ways.
Virginia Dickert believes in the power of performing and feels every student deserves an opportunity to shine onstage.
Michael N. Dye Niceville Senior High School Nominated by J. Mark Scott on behalf of FVA
Michael N. Dye began his 44-year teaching career at Southwest Junior High School in Hot Springs, Arkansas. In 1990, he accepted the position of director of choral activities at Niceville High School. His choirs consistently earn superior ratings at FVA district and state performance assessments, and 18 have earned the FVA Choir of Distinction Award. They have sung internationally throughout Europe and three times in New York’s Carnegie Hall. More than 500 of Mr. Dye’s students have made one of the FMEA all-state choruses during his career. His students have taken more than 150 seats in the FVA Reading Chorus. Each fall semester the Niceville students earn more seats in the All-State Reading Chorus than any other public, comprehensive high school in Florida. In her letter of support, Judy Arthur explained, “That is no accident. It is a carefully planned process of sequential teaching.”
Mr. Dye has coordinated each of the Florida allstate choruses and spearheaded the effort to establish the FVA TTBB All-State Chorus. Michael conducted the 2013 Florida All-State Men’s Chorus and the 2017 Arkansas All-State Female Chorus as well as numerous district and regional honor choirs. Additionally, he has
adjudicated the state high school choral assessments in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
Mr. Dye served as FVA president in 2007-09 and FSMA president in 2016-18. Michael currently serves on the board for the Center for Fine Arts Education. Honors include 2004 Niceville High School Teacher of the Year and runner-up to the Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year. Mr. Dye was the 2018 FVA Hall of Fame inductee.
Michael Dye earned the BME from Henderson State University in Arkansas, followed by the MME from Arkansas State University with continuing studies from the University of Arkansas.
Michael’s career has been one of continuous service to his profession, working to help make music available to every student. Michael Foster, now a professor of theater at Missouri State University, is one such former student who claims, “Whatever life I have lived, whatever art I have created, and whatever legacy I leave to my own students is in large part due to the influence of Mr. Dye upon my life.”
Michael Dye is highly respected by his peers and a role model for Florida music educators.
David L. Brunner University of Central Florida Nominated by Wesley Roy and Ashley Lewis on behalf of FVA
David L. Brunner, DMA, is professor of music and director of choral activities at the University of Central Florida and is highly regarded for his work with singers of all ages. Dr. Brunner graduated magna cum laude with the BME from Illinois Wesleyan University and then went on to earn the MM in conducting from Northwestern University. He holds the DMA in choral literature and conducting from the University of Illinois.
Dr. Brunner has appeared as an in-demand honor choir conductor, workshop clinician, conference presenter, and composer in 34 U.S. states, Canada, the UK, Europe, Australia, and Japan. As a composer, he has received annual ASCAP awards over the past 20 years and was named the Raymond W. Brock Commissioned Composer, the American Choral Directors Association's highest honor for American composers. Dr. Brunner has more than 120 works in print with Boosey & Hawkes and Walton Music. At UCF, Dr. Brunner has garnered every teaching and research award available to a faculty member—some more than once.
David Brunner has a long history of service to FMEA and NAfME. He has served as an all-state conductor of numerous FMEA performing groups throughout the years. Additionally, he is a commissioned composer. Dr. Kelly Miller said, “Conductors at all levels recognize David Brunner’s writing for its intricacies and beauty. This is due, in part, to evocative texts, variety of textures, and romantic melodies in addition to his experimentation with nontraditional tonalities.” Nationally, David has published articles for NAfME and has contributed significantly in many state music education associations and conferences.
In her letter of support, Dr. Sandra Snow, professor of music education and choral conducting at Michigan State University, stated, “For David, beauty and art can be nurtured anywhere and with anyone willing to find it. There is a purity of purpose to David’s work that has shaped his career and his impact on the thousands of singers he has interacted with through time.”
As a conductor, composer, and educator, David Brunner has touched the lives of many people and has made a lasting impact in the choral landscape in Florida and beyond.
James “Rocky” Hanna Leon County Nominated by Peter Pursino, chairman of FVA District 3, on behalf of FVA
Few superintendents understand the value and power of music education like James “Rocky” Hanna. He believes that every student should have access to quality music and arts education. In an era of high-stakes testing, tight school budgets, and stressful learning environments, Rocky provides advocacy and an investment in music education. He is truly a champion for music education in the state of Florida.
James Hanna has a long history in Leon County. He is the third generation in his family to graduate from Leon High School. After earning an associate’s degree from Marion Military Institute, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. He went on to work on the BA in business administration at Georgia Southern College, after which he took on a job as a hall monitor back at his alma mater, Leon High School, while attending night school at Florida State University to earn his teaching certificate. Rocky, as he is commonly called, left Leon High to serve as a social science teacher, then dropout prevention educator, but went back to Leon as its dean of students while earning his educational leadership degree from FSU. He then became the assistant principal and finally principal of his alma mater until he moved to the position of divisional director for the county in 2013. Mr. Hanna has been serving as superintendent of schools in Leon County since November 2016.
As principal of Leon High School, Rocky supported and encouraged the development of increased offerings of general music classes targeted to reach the lower socioeconomic students and those considered at risk.
During his time as principal, fine and performing arts programs grew, and 50% of the student body was involved in one of 40 arts elective options. Since becoming superintendent, Mr. Hanna has encouraged and supported programs in the district that offer a wide variety of music and art electives. He has provided much-needed district funding for all secondary school music programs. This funding became an annual line item and included $50,000 to each high school and $25,000 to each middle school program. At the time Mr. Hanna took the superintendent’s seat, there was no cohesive curriculum for the elementary music programs. When he learned of their needs, he provided $40,000 in the budget to acquire a much-needed standardized curriculum and online tools. In addition, he allocated funds to increase the supplemental pay, which resulted in a raise for most high school music educators. Dr. Steve Kelly, FMEA president, described his interaction with Rocky when he was principal of Leon High School. Dr. Kelly was asked to sit on the selection committee for a new band director there. He shared a conversation that he had with Principal Rocky Hanna when Rocky admitted that he did not understand music from an artistic perspective, but that he was very aware that music students stay in school and contribute a “unique and necessary culture that improved Leon High in every respect.”
Dr. Kelly was not at all surprised to learn that during Rocky Hanna’s tenure as principal of Leon High School, the music curriculum expanded tremendously, and beyond traditional band, chorus, and orchestra.
J. Mark Scott Retired Nominated by Elizabeth Phillips on behalf of FVA
J. Mark Scott embraced his passion for music education more than 50 years ago in Jacksonville, Florida. After receiving the BME and the MA in teaching from Jacksonville University and starting his music teaching career, Mr. Scott became active in the Florida Vocal Association. While developing choral programs of noted reputations, Mr. Scott served FVA in many capacities including district chairman, middle school chairman, and FVA president.
After more than 30 years of dedication to FVA, Mr. Scott was chosen to be FVA’s executive director. As executive director, he has helped increase FVA’s influence on choral music education. Most notably, he co-chaired the development and implementation of the FVA adjudicator training program for the music performance assessments. Dr. Kevin Coker of Henderson State University stated, “His dedication and hard work have resulted in an unparalleled MPA experience that places emphasis on high-quality teaching, performing, and learning.” Additionally, Mr. Scott led the transformation of the state-level solo and ensemble and choral MPA processes to their current formats. These changes greatly increased the MPAs’ effectiveness and participation rate.
Throughout his career and service, Mr. Scott’s servant leadership heart has been evident in his approachable demeanor, wisdom, and patience. He constantly and graciously guides new and veteran teachers to become better music educators and leaders in the organization. Joy Loomis of Avon Park High School stated, “He is highly regarded and respected by his peers and colleagues, and he is someone we earnestly desire to follow. He is leading us to be better musicians, teachers, and human beings.”
There is no way to estimate the number of students and teachers who have been greatly affected by Mr. Scott’s efforts and leadership. Michael Dye of Niceville High School stated, “He will be remembered as the one who was actively involved in every aspect of making us a better organization and more effective educators.”
Thanks to Mark Scott’s dedication and service, choral music education continues to thrive in Florida.
James Chad Kirk Melbourne High School, Brevard County Nominated by Melbourne High School music faculty; Cindy Johnson, district music resource specialist; and Dr. Mark Mullins, superintendent
James Chad Kirk, EdD, has served as principal of Melbourne High School since 2015. This school has a long history of success in athletics, academics, and the arts. In the early 1990s, a young man came through the high school band program. He was a section leader and eventually drum major of the Melbourne band. Today, he is recognized as its principal.
In Chad Kirk’s short tenure so far as principal, he has invested in the growth of the arts programs through supporting the creation of additional music classes and adding allocations to the music department. Course offerings in band, chorus, and orchestra have more than doubled under his leadership. Enrollment in music classes has grown from 340 students to 553 students, supported by the best practice of giving priority to the music classes when building the master schedule for the school while still meeting the demands of IB scheduling. Supporting the growing music program creates additional challenges regarding space. Dr. Kirk provided a third acoustically treated music classroom to accommodate the growing music staff.
Prior to his principalship at Melbourne High, Dr. Kirk served as principal of Central Middle School in Brevard County. As a middle school principal, he fully supported the expansion of the only guitar program in
Brevard County. Since his time at “Mel Hi,” Principal Kirk has helped the arts programs grow into programs that lead the Brevard County district in enrollment in music courses and encouragement in the participation in FMEA-sanctioned events.
Chad Kirk attended Florida State University where he received the BA in history and the BS in social science education in 1996. Chad was a proud member of the FSU Marching Chiefs during his years in Tallahassee. After graduation, he moved back to Brevard County to begin his teaching career. He enjoyed teaching history at Hoover Middle School, Bayside High School, and Melbourne High School before entering graduate school for educational leadership. Dr. Kirk earned the MS from Nova Southeastern University in 2003 and the EdD from Florida State University in 2019.
From playing saxophone with the band to singing baritone in choir, Dr. Kirk uses his talents and passion to form connections with students and families in his school and community.
Letters of support received from current as well as former music faculty provide evidence of James Chad Kirk’s commitment to quality music education for all students.
2 0 2 0 F M E A M U S I C E D U C AT I O N SERVICE AWARDS
This year, we celebrate 570 total years of teaching among the following 19 honorees:
Mark B. Ellis 25.5 years Apopka High School
Rhett Cox 26 years Timber Creek High School
Charles Watford 26 years Dr. Phillips High School
Christopher Perez 26.5 years Freedom High School
Teresa Cameron 27 years Eastside Elementary School
Andrea Green 27 years Jones High School
Keith Nichols 27 years Pershing K-8 School
Wanda Berry 30 years Hunters Creek Middle School
Shona E. McFadyen 30 years Ronald Blocker Educational Leadership Center
April Laymon 30.5 years Beauclerc Elementary School
Joan Tracey 31 years Aston Elementary School
Dorothy Trascritti 31 years Bryant Elementary School
Yelitza E. Greene 32 years University High School
Susan Packer 34.5 years Windy Ridge K-8 School
Lisa Hewitt 35 years West Brooke Elementary School
Paul R. McLaughlin 36 years Coronado Beach Elementary School
2 0 2 0 F M E A M U S I C ENROLLMENT AWARDS
Congratulations to the following schools:
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Bell Junior Senior High School – 45% Gilcrest County Principal: Lisa Barry Christopher Dunn
Avalon Middle School – 46% Santa Rosa County Principal: LaTonya Leeks-Shepherd Michael (Mike) Philley Tiffany Reeves
Ferry Pass Middle School – 46% Escambia County Principal: Juanda White Russell Bertles Christina Aldahondo Ashley Leigh
Classical Preparatory School – 47% Pasco County Principal: Jasmine Brightman Rachel Mann
Apopka Memorial Middle School – 49% Orange County Principal: Kelly Pelletier Robb Ross Kyle Sargent Kayla Morris
Surfside Middle School – 49% Bay County Principal: Matt Pitts James Colvin Frederick Mullen
P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School, Middle School – 50% Alachua County Principal: Dr. Carrie Geiger Jamie Burg Rachel Snyder Melanie Harris
Sunridge Middle School – 50% Orange County Principal: Amy McHale Rhea Parks-Smith Missie Westerman Stephanie Sandritter
Southwest Middle School – 51% Orange County Principal: Raymond “Chuck” Yockel Kimberley Mascarenhas Amy Wacksman Kristen De Guzman Jennifer Erickson
Glenridge Middle School – 52% Orange County Principal: Dr. Chris Camacho James Brannock Brian Sullivan Johanna Gonzalez Zhan Dolinskiy
Bob Martinez Middle School – 53% Hillsborough County Principal: Toby Johnson Christopher Johns-Klein Robert DeLoach Jillian Savia
Meadow Woods Middle School – 54% Orange County Principal: Marisol Mendez Zachary Pecore Alexandra Hawkins Gabriela Santiago Shannon Jongema
Deane Bozeman School – 56% Bay County Principal: Josh Balkom Brandon Poiroux Jeremy Johnson Julie Johnson
Lake Nona Middle School – 56% Orange County Principal: Stephanie Jackson Courtney Connelly Hannah Jennings Lynne Rudzik Ashley Majka
Progress Village Middle Magnet School of the Arts, Middle School – 56% Hillsborough County Principal: Peter Megara Jennifer Renfroe Kristen Franzen Peter Rowley Kelly Cottet
Lake Como School K-8 – 59% Orange County Principal: Isolda Antonio Fisher Jayna Pottorf
Pershing K-8 – 62% Orange County Principal: Bernadette Jaster Keith Nichols
Grace Lutheran School, Middle School – 64% Pinellas County Principal: Nicole Clifton Jennifer Tippett Marilyn Hall
Raa Middle School – 78% Leon County Principal: Christopher Small Megan Sahely William Sahely Joshua Lessard Barbie Townsend Cynthia Prescott
Pine Crest School, Middle School – 79% Palm Beach County Principal: Kristi Combs Allison Mair Dannel Espinoza Martha Schimelpfenig
Howard Academy of Arts, Middle School – 90% Orange County Principal: Kimberly Beckler Oscar Vinson Melissa King Mary Lubaroff Damon Wille Aaron Penfield
HIGH SCHOOLS
Dr. Phillips High School – 31% Orange County Principal: Dr. Suzanne Knight Bradley Carman Jane Moore Isiah Maxey Jackson Pinder Raine Allen James Patrick Charles Watford Nicole Nasrallah
Pine View School, High School – 32% Sarasota County Principal: Dr. Stephen Covert Seth Gardner Victor Mongillo Christopher Mink
P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School, High School – 32% Alachua County Principal: Dr. Carrie Geiger Jamie Burg Robert Marski Melanie Harris
Leon High School – 46% Leon County Principal: William (Billy) Epting Lee Commander Keenan Ellis Shawn Fassig Lisa Leaman Tabitha Peck Edward Prasse Peter Pursino
St. John’s Classical Academy, High School – 59% Clay County Principal: Lori Meredith Brooks Clarke Brooke Smith
