2023 Annual Awards for Excellence Recipients
OUTSTANDING MUSIC EDUCATOR
Laura Allison, Ridge Ruxton School, Baltimore County
Laura Allison is in her 16th year of teaching. She has taught at the elementary level and at a school for children with disabilities. She has been nominated for Teacher of the Year three times, accepted a teacher’s union recognition award, and has received multiple music grants. She leads teacher sessions about adapting music instruction for students with disabilities and wrote an adapted curriculum. She has a passion for ensuring that ALL students have access to high quality music instruction.
Elizabeth Babylon, Sudlersville Middle School, Queen Anne's County
Betsy Babylon holds degrees from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory and Peabody Institute of Music, Music Education from Penn State, and a Master’s in Special Education from the University of Kansas. This helped Babylon serve a diverse group of learners specializing in multi-sensory learning at Radcliffe Creek School prior to joining QACPS, where she created the first ever middle school Strings Program with Principal Rob Watkins. Betsy enjoys playing the piano, viola, and has three adorable children.
Malcolm Bratcher Jr., Pocomoke Elementary School, Worcester County
Malcolm Bratcher is a 5th year teacher at Pocomoke Elementary School. Malcolm is a graduate of Salisbury University where he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education and is currently completing his master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Beyond the classroom, Malcolm also teaches two after-school academies, Broadway Kids, a musical theater class, and Piano Prodigies, helping students learn to play the piano. In addition, he also hosts a youth musical theatre summer camp.
Susan Eckerle, Thomas S. Wootton High School, Montgomery County
Educator, conductor, and clinician, Susan Eckerle earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Louisiana State University and Master of Arts, Performance (Conducting) from California State University, Fresno. She has taught for 28+ as a band director in Mississippi, Hawaii, and Maryland public schools. She brings an energetic and enthusiastic approach to her teaching, keeping the students at the forefront of her work.
Lauren Walker, Broadneck High School, Anne Arundel County
Mrs. Walker is the lead vocal teacher for the Apex Arts Magnet Program at Broadneck High School in Anne Arundel County and Artistic Director of the All Children's Chorus of Annapolis. A dedicated professional, Mrs. Walker is in high demand as a guest conductor in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. She is passionate about music literacy and the mental health of her students and believes building strong relationships is vital to the success of her ensembles.
Grace White, Colgate Elementary School, Baltimore County
Grace White, coined Ms. Blue by her students because of her blue hair, is a music teacher in Baltimore County. She has taught vocal music at Colgate Elementary since she graduated St. Mary's College of Maryland in 2015. A few years into her career, she began making kid-friendly-but-not-just-for-kids songs and videos to help her students learn. She is thrilled to now see them being used outside of her classroom and looks forward to conducting a new piece at the BCPS Choral Festival this spring.
John Wixted, Mardela Middle and High School, Wicomico County
John Wixted (JW), is honored to be receiving this recognition. JW is the choir and theatre director at Mardela Middle & High School in Wicomico County of the Eastern Shore, where he teaches 6-12 graders in a variety of honors and non-performing choirs, general music, acting, and musical theatre classes, a female show choir, drama club, and Tri-M. Beyond MMHS JW is the Vice President of ESCDA, was a founding member and is currently on the executive board for Wicomico's All-County Musical.
OUTSTANDING MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR
Lynnette Moore, Mount View Middle School, Howard County
Lynnette Moore is the very proud Principal of Mount View Middle School in Howard County. Ms. Moore often shares how blessed she is to have her office close to the Related Arts hallway so she can hear students performing all day. Ms. Moore is humbled by the MMEA’s Award of Excellence recognition because she works with a Music Department that truly lives her motto of “Value the Content, Love the Student.” They provide an environment of exploration, education, and excellence. #Samakajo
Rob Watkins, Sudlersville Middle School, Queen Anne's County
Rob Watkins has spent 22 years with QACPS as a Math Teacher, Teacher Specialist, Asst Principal, Supervisor of Mathematics, and Principal at Sudlersville Middle School. He has a Bachelor's in Mathematics, and an M.Ed in Leadership. Rob resides in Ridgely, MD with his beautiful wife Nicole, and two wonderful daughters Evie and Katie. As an educator, Rob is passionate about inspiring students to find their passion and be lifelong learners, developing the first ever QACPS Strings Program at SMS.
THE CORWIN TAYLOR
MUSIC EDUCATION LEADERSHIP AWARD
Dara Case, Thomas G. Pullen K-8 Creative and Performing Arts School, Prince George's County
Mrs. Case has been serving the students and teachers of Prince George’s County since 2004. She has worked to reduce barriers to music education while welcoming early career educators into her classroom. She asks tough questions on the way to finding solutions, and most recently testified before the Accountability and Implementation Board on the vital need to protect funding for all arts education in the state of Maryland. At the heart of her career is her love for students, past and present.
MMEA HALL OF FAME
Melvin Miles, Jr., Morgan State University, Retired
Melvin N. Miles, Jr., is the former Director of University Bands and Instructor of Music at Morgan State University. He taught Instrumental Music, Brass and Woodwind Methods, Instrumental Music Repertoire, Conducting and served as the Wind, Percussion and String Faculty Coordinator. Melvin served on the Morgan State University faculty from 1973 to 2022. He is a member of the CBDNA, NAfME, MMEA, MBDA, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Melvin Miles resides in Baltimore with his wife Cathy.
Jim Wharton, Baltimore County, Retired
Jim Wharton inspires students to excel in music and to share their joy of music with others. In addition to leading highly successful ensembles, he founded the first school steel band in the state. Since then, over twenty school steel band programs have been formed in Maryland. In his honor, the Catonsville HS auditorium was named “Wharton Hall,” and dedicated to “a music teacher and director whose spirit has and will continue to make music ‘much more than just playing notes and rhythms."
Previous Award Recipients
Outstanding Music Educator*
2022
Kellie Harvey, Fruitland Primary School, Wicomico County
2021
Angelica Brooks, Bowie High School, Prince George’s County
James Dorsey, Vansville Elementary School, Prince George’s County
Theresa Iacarino, Cromwell Valley Elementary School, Baltimore County
Stephanie Mayer-Sattin, Bullis School, Montgomery County
2020
Andrea Cameron, Robert Frost Middle School, Montgomery County
Carol Cox, Bodkin Elementary School, Anne Arundel County
Jana Davis Hobbs, Wicomico High School, Wicomico County
Allen Kessell, Franklin High School, Baltimore County
2019
Sarah Burton, North Salisbury Elementary School, Bennett Middle School, Parkside High School, James M. Bennett High School, Wicomico County
Emily James, South Shore Elementary School, Anne Arundel County
Randine Levy, Roberto Clemente Middle School, Montgomery County
David Matchim, Centennial High School, Howard County
Lisa Adams, Berlin Intermediate School, Worcester County
2018
Kenneth Dasher, Pittsville Elementary and Middle School, Wicomico County
Paul Heinemann, Rocky Hill Middle School, Montgomery County
Anne Marie Patterson, Theodore Davis Middle School, Charles County
Thomas K. Pierre, Jr., Glassmanor Elementary School, Prince Georges County
James Woomert, Atholton High School, Howard County
2017
Shannon Day
Lewis Dutrow
Doug Miles
Lynn Staininger
Outstanding School Administrator*
2022
Karla Steinbach, Meade Middle School, Anne Arundel County
2021
Liza Hastings, Mardela Middle and High School, Wicomico County
Martin Tierney, Runnymeade Elementary School, Carroll County
2020
John Taylor, Cabin John Middle School, Montgomery County
2019
Matthew Record, Pocomoke Middle School, Worcester County
2018
Jazmin G. Lawhorn, Crofton Elementary School, Anne Arundel County
2017
Chris Rattay
MMEA/NAfME Exemplary Music Program*
2020 - Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Prince George's County
2018 - Homestead-Wakefield Elementary School, Harford County
2017 - Ellicott Mills Middle School, Howard County
The Corwin Taylor Music Education Leadership Award
2022 - David Kauffman
2021 - Christopher Cicconi,
Sybil Roseboro
2020 – Todd J. Burroughs
2019 – Scott Herman
2018 – Michael L. Mark
2017 – Anita Lambert
2013 – Nancy S. Grasmick
2012 – C. Nelson Fritts
2011 – Richard J. Deasy
2010 – Katherine A. Rodeffer
2009 – Joan Orcutt
2005 – Linda Patton
2004 – Chris Tuel
2002 – Mary Ellen Cohn
1999 – Barbara F. King
1998 – Phyllis T. Kaplan
1998 – Roger J. Folstrom
1997 – James L. Tucker, Jr.
1996 – Mary Ann Mears
1995 – Rosa Fletcher Crocker
1994 – Karen Douglas
The Rosemary & James Walters Service Award
2020 - Janet Gross
2017 – Ginny Flynn
2015 – Sally Wagner
2014 – James L. Turk
2013 – Jan Strevig
2012 – Deborah Turner
2011 – Howard L. Miskimon
2011 – Sabra C. Steward
2010 – Mabel Leonore Sawhill
2004 – Richard A. Disharoon
2003 – Chrystie L. Adams
2002 – Thomas W. Fugate
MMEA Hall of Fame
2020 — Charles Haslup (Posthumous)
2019 – Chris Vadala (Posthumous)
2018 – Gilbert A. Brungardt (Posthumous)
2014 – Dana Rothlisberger
2013 – Ray Danner
2012 – Cherie Stellaccio
2012 – C. Scott Sharnetzka
2011 – Lee Stevens
2010 – Bruce D. Wilson
2009 – Leone Y. Woodall
2008 – Richard A. Disharoon
2008 – James L. Tucker, Jr.
2007 – Olivia W. Gutoff
2006 – Mary Ellen Cohn
2006 – John Wakefield
2005 – Barbara F. King
2005 – Michael L. Mark
2004 – Roger J. Folstrom
2004 – Phyllis R. Kaplan
2003 – Leroy Battle
2003 – Glenn Patterson
2000 – Mildred B. Trevvett
1999 – Nancy M. Cook
1999 – Sr. Mary Theresine Staub S.S.N.D.
1998 – Maurice R. Feldman
1997 – Clarence T. Rogers
1996 – James H. Avampato
1996 – Carmelo J. Palazzo
1995 – David Marchand
1995 – W. Warren Sprouse
1994 – Shirley J. Shelley
1994 – Donald Regier
1994 – Mildred R. Reiner
1995 – David Marchand
1995 – W. Warren Sprouse
1994 – Shirley J. Shelley
1994 – Donald Regier
1994 – Mildred R. Reiner
1993 – Thomas W. Fugate
1993 – C. William Johnson
1993 – Michael Pastelak
1992 – Blanche F. Bowlsbey
1992 – Joseph F. Chalker
1992 – James L. Fisher
1991 – John Fignar, Jr.
1990 – Robert E. Kersey
1990 – Dorothy S. Pickard
1989 – Alice S. Beer
1989 – Thomas R. Lawrence
1989 – Corwin H. Taylor
1988 – Margaret Black
1988 – Robert S. Bolles
1988 – David Burchuck
1988 – Frances Jackman Civis
1988 – John Cole
1988 – Mary G. Cross
1988 – John Denues
1988 – Nicholas Geriak
1988 – Thomas L. Gibson
1988 – Rose Marie Grentzer
1988 – S. Fenton Harris
1988 – Miriam Hoffman
1988 – Mary M. Hunter
1988 – John Itzel
1988 – Henrietta Baker Low
1988 – Otto Ortmann
1988 – Philip S. Royer
1988 – Osmar Steinwald
1988 – Charles C. T. Stull
1988 – Eugene W. Troth
1988 – Homer Ulrich
1988 – C. James Velie
1988 – Levi Wilder
1988 – Dorothy Willison
1988 – William Llewelyn Wilson
*We are working to complete these lists and will update them as we can.
Outstanding Music Educator
This award recognizes and honors music educators for their outstanding service to the music students in public, private, or independent schools in the State of Maryland. These awards are presented annually.
Outstanding School Administrator
This award is to recognize the non-arts administrators who are music advocates and supporters, working with the music team to build incredible music programs for their schools and communities. This award may be presented annually.
MMEA/NAfME Exemplary Music Program
This award is to recognize outstanding music programs. The award will be based on the extent to which the program meets the standards set forth in the NAfME publication, The School Music Program: Description and Standards. Any school that has not received the award within the previous five years is eligible.
The Corwin Taylor Music Education Leadership Award
This award is to recognize an individual who has made a significant contribution to the music education of Maryland’s youth, whether as a teacher, administrator, parent, industry representative, performer, or in another capacity. The Corwin Taylor Music Education Leadership Award was established in 1993 in memory of Dr. Corwin H. Taylor (1905-1992), noted musician, composer, author, and educator. Dr. Taylor, an active member of the Music Educators National Conference (now National Association for Music Education, NAfME) and the Maryland Music Educators Association, was Supervisor of Instrumental Music for the Baltimore Public School system from 1945 to 1968 and a faculty member at the University of Maryland at College Park from 1968 to 1976. He will always be remembered for the great impact he had on the lives and careers of his students and colleagues. The award may be presented annually.
The Rosemary and James Walters Award for Service
This award is to recognize an individual who has made a significant contribution to the Maryland Music Educators Association. The Rosemary and James Walters Award for Service to the Maryland Music Educators Association was established in 2001 in memory of Rosemary and James Walters. Their teaching careers were in Maryland, spanning 30 years until a tragic accident in April 2001. Jim taught instrumental music, most recently at Francis Scott Key Middle School in Montgomery County while Rosemary taught choral music. Together, they characterized the essence of supporting the music education profession. They supported their colleagues, young and seasoned, and they supported every professional activity of the association and the school music community. Jim served as MBDA president, but his contribution was not limited to band activities. Rosemary eventually left the classroom to work full time in church music, but her involvement as a substitute music teacher and as an accompanist continued. At nearly any MMEA event, it was typical to see Jim and Rosemary offering to assist when they were not “on duty,” doing whatever needed to be done. The award may be presented annually.
MMEA Hall Of Fame
This award is to recognize an individual for excellence in teaching and/or administration, contributions and improvements made in music education, betterment of the profession through exemplary service or acts, professional offices, publications, awards, recognition, performances, and professional ideals and academic integrity.