Mike Norman and Denise Wilkinson, Awards of Merit
social media and the Michigan Music Educator. She also mentors music educators outside of the MMEA, particularly through leadership within the Mid-Michigan Orff Schul- werk Association, teaching in Olivet College’s Master of Arts in Teaching program, and workshops at local and state professional development conferences. MMEA accomplish- es the work of our mission, advancing music education in Michigan, only with the help of dedicated individuals like Mike Norman and Denise Wilkinson.
Paul Soma, Outstanding Administrator
MMEA’s Award of Merit acknowledges individuals who have given exemplary service to the MMEA and music education in Michigan. Long-time DeWitt band director Mike Norman certainly fits those criteria. Mr. Norman’s colleagues must have agreed, as many of them joined us to celebrate his accomplishment (First row from leſt to right: Chris Pike, Caitlin McDougall, Mike Norman, Brooke Broughton; Second row leſt to right: Leslie Nielsen, Meghan Eldred: Tird row leſt to right: Greg Wells, Jody McKean, Sean Wade). MMEA President-Elect Bill Vliek, who nom- inated Mr. Norman, wrote, “Mike has been a champion of music education for as long as I’ve known him. As my mentor during my student teaching, his tutelage always cen- tered around what was best for students and how to create lifelong musicians… While he never asks for recognition, his tireless work for MMEA and music education in the state should be recognized.”
Te Outstanding Administrator Award is meant to recog- nize administrative support for music education, specifically seeking to acknowledge individuals who have demonstrated active, on-going support for balanced music programs. Tis year, this award went to Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) superintendent Paul Soma. Mr. Soma (pictured with TCAPS colleagues Holly Olszewski, Todd Vipond, Dave Hester, Chad Mielens, Peter Deneen, Doug Downer, and Flournoy Humphreys) will retire this year aſter 17 years as a school administrator, including six years as TCAPS superintendent.
“To say I am humbled by this honor is an understatement,” Soma said in a TCAPS press release announcing the award. “Te reality is I am fortunate to work for a school system that places a high value on music instruction, has incredibly talented staff, and intentionally works to vertically align the curriculum K-12. As a result, our students are recognized as the best of the best. It is easy to be a champion for that.”
Grand Ledge elementary music teacher Denise Wilkinson also received an Award of Merit. Mrs. Wilkinson (pictured with Grand Ledge colleague Cathy Fox, right and MMEA General Music Coordinator Holly Olzewski, leſt) currently serves as MMEA’s Coordinator of Professional Develop- ment. MMEA’s General Music Coordinator Holly Olszewski wrote, “Denise has been an integral part of MMEA’s online presence. Her pinterest boards are extremely popular.” Mrs. Wilkinson frequently writes articles and features for MMEA
At the award reception, Mr. Soma spoke about the impor- tance of music in education, and about the administrator’s role in ensuring that all students can access music instruc- tion at school. Mr. Soma said he led both in what he did— ensuring that music educators had the resources to do their important work, and also in what he did not do—obstruct music teaching and learning by micromanaging. Paul Soma’s work as an administrator who understands the value of music education had a positive impact on teachers and students and should leave a lasting legacy for Traverse City’s children and communities. Te MMEA is proud to recog- nize such excellence.
18
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
