High School Music Participation Recognition

This recognition is given to any Nebraska high school whose music program demonstrates high involvement in music courses and activities. It recognizes the effectiveness of programs that offer attractive music curricula as well as those that excel in the recruitment and retention of students. Schools that demonstrate they meet the criteria will be awarded each year and may reapply for the award at the same or different level of membership each year. Recognized schools, if called upon, agree to serve NMEA as a resource on the topics of programming, scheduling, recruitment, and retention of music students. Serving as a resource might include examples of:
  • How scheduling allows students to stay involved in music
  • How the school, administration, and faculty recruit students into their music department
  • What kind of curriculum is used to retain students

This is a self-nomination application that requires verification from a school administrator. The application is now online and must be completed by October 1 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • All music staff must be members of NMEA.
  • Nebraska public or parochial schools that are a part of the NSAA School Membership are eligible.

CRITERIA

  • Classification is determined by NSAA Music Classification (9-11 enrollment from the previous year).
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
  • Only students in grades 9-12 may be counted, and each student may only be counted once. For example, If John Doe is enrolled in both vocal and instrumental music classes, they may only be counted once in total.
  • Please only apply if your enrollment percentage meets at least the minimum recognition level for your classification.
  • The online application must be signed by the high school Principal or Activities Director.

2025 HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC PARTICIPATION RECOGNITION

CLASS D
Osmond: Level 1 - Exemplary, Christalin Ginn, Director
Sterling: Level 1 - Exemplary, Derrick Gossard, Director
McCool Junction: Level 2 - Exceptional, Heather Stahr & Jessica Wagner, Directors
Fullerton: Level 3 - Noteworthy, Colton Kohl, Director
Palmer: Level 3 - Noteworthy, Anna Sake, Director
Sumner-Eddyville-Miller: Level 3 - Noteworthy, Justin Bosak, Director

 

CLASS C
Sutton: Level 2 - Exceptional, Zachary Weir & Kelsey Linabery, Directors
Elkhorn Valley: Level 3 - Noteworthy, Brenda Gale, Director
Thayer Central: Level 3 - Noteworthy, Erin VanderSchaaf & Stephanie Wright, Directors

 

CLASS B
Concordia: Level 2 - Exceptional, Peter Klemp, Rachael Means, Aaron Staub, Directors

 

CLASS A
Seward: Level 1 - Exemplary, Amanda Kenney & Ben Rickert, Directors

 

CLASS AA
Kearney: Level 2 - Exceptional, Clayton Moyer, Rick Mitchell, Sadie Uhing, & Nathan LeFeber, Directors
Millard North: Level 3 - Noteworthy, Debbie Martinez, Megan Swain, Alex Sharp, Craig Mathis, Allison Hoffman, Directors
Scottsbluff: Level 3 - Noteworthy, Brad Ronne, Frank Ibero, Ashley Hillman, Directors

 

PAST AWARD WINNERS

Click the link below to see a full list of our past High School Music Participation Recognition winners.

NMEA High School Music Participation Recognition List