Hall of Fame
Induction into the Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award bestowed to NMEA members. Nomination materials must demonstrate the following:
- NMEA Membership: The nominee must have been a member of NMEA in some form (active, collegiate, retired, etc.) for at least 50% of their career.
- Significant Career: The nominee has contributed significantly to the profession of music education. Considerations include work in the following areas - opportunities for students; exemplary programs; event hosts for music education activities or contests; and innovative ideas moving the profession forward.
- Outside Involvement: The nominee has been actively involved in music education outside of their position. Considerations include work in the following areas; guest clinician; state-level partnerships; advocacy campaigns, volunteering, member of other music education or arts-related boards; and mentorship of younger educators.
- Visibility in the Organization: The nominee should have a record of visibility with NMEA. Considerations will include the following areas - attendance at the annual conference and notable work recognized by the music community.
- Service to NMEA: The nominee should have prior service to the NMEA organization through various capacities. Considerations will include the following areas - service as an NMEA officer, presider at NMEA conference sessions/concerts, service on an NMEA committee, presenter at NMEA conference, and director of a guest performing group at NMEA conference.
The application for 2025 Hall of Fame nominations has closed.
NOMINATION MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Nomination must have three letters of recommendation from present or past music educators.
- The three letters must be from separate programs (not all from the same community or school system). This does not preclude multiple letters coming from a community to show support.
- Only letters from persons who have taught in Nebraska and know the nominee’s work will be considered as primary. Letters from Nebraska retirees can be considered primary.
- Each letter of recommendation should address the award’s criteria.
2. Additional Items
- Biographical information must be included and be complete and accurate.
- A photo of the nominee must be included.
3. Additional Letters of Support
- Letters of support solicited from former students, parents, community leaders, etc are important and recommended but don’t need to follow the biographical format.
- Additional supportive letters may be considered.
The 2025 Hall of Fame Inductee - Dale Ritter
Dale Ritter has been teaching music since 1987 and has been at Alma Public Schools since 1990 as the 5-12 instrumental and 7-12 vocal instructor. He is also the freshman class sponsor, co-junior class sponsor and a bus driver. He previously taught at Polk-Hordville Schools from 1987-1990. He is the worship/music leader at Lakeside Fellowship in Alma where he leads worship through singing and organizes all music activities. He is an active clinician and adjudicator in both Nebraska and Kansas. In 2009, his high school choir was selected to sing at the NMEA fall convention. In 2015 he received the Platt Music Award from Doane University for outstanding achievement in music. In 2018 he was selected as the Outstanding Music Teacher by the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association. In 2024 he was awarded the Outstanding Service Award for music from the Nebraska School Activities Association. In November of 2025 he will be inducted into the NMEA Hall of Fame, the highest honor given by that organization. He is a member of NMEA, NAFME and Christian Educators Association International. He serves on the NSAA music advisory board for District 5 in helping organize District Music Contests statewide . Dale received his B.M.E from Doane College and attended graduate school at UNL, UNK and USD. He is the husband to Kimberly, the father to Isaac, Benjamin and Sadie and Papa to Mylynn and Zane.
PAST HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
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