Three Southwest Louisiana music educators and administrators were honored at the 2023 Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA) Professional Development Conference in November.

A total of 550 professionals attended this year’s conference, said Carolyn Herrington, editor of the LMEA’s official journal The Louisiana Musician.

The LMEA conference is hosted annually for professionals in music education to share research, ideas and methods with their peers. It also serves as an opportunity for high school musicians in Louisiana to participate in an All-State ensemble.

On the last day of the conference, Nov,  20, several professionals were recognized for their work in the field of music education.

From the Beauregard Parish School District, Principal of Pine Wood Elementary Debbie Dixon was awarded the Tom D. Wafer Outstanding Administrator award. Herrington said that the award honors school principals, assistant principals, superintendents and assistant or associate superintendents that “demonstrate support for and commitment to high-quality arts education programs in their schools.”

“The influence of such administrators is a major factor in improving music education in school systems across the state.”

Dixon has served as an educator and administrator in Beauregard Parish for 40 years, and said that she is honored to be recognized by the LMEA. She has always been an “avid supporter” of music programs in Beauregard.

“I truly believe that music is a vital part of the educational program. Music teaches skills that other subjects and curriculums do not.”

Molly Jones, choral director and fine arts survey teacher, Sulphur High School, also received recognition and was awarded the Outstanding Young Music Educator award. Young professionals with at least one year of experience, but no more than five, are eligible. Herrington said that they have to exhibit “outstanding impact on student learning.”

Also from Calcasieu Parish, Tony McCardle, director of Visual and Performing Arts, Calcasieu Parish School Board, was highlighted as a recipient of the National Federation of State High School Associations outstanding Educator award.

One educator from each state is selected for this award annually.  Recipients are selected based on “organization and continuance of an activity program, significant and ongoing contributions to the field, years of both curricular and co-curricular service and  contributions to the profession both in and out of the state,” said Herrington

CPSB Superintendent Shannon LaFargue said the Jones and McCardles’ recognition at the LMEA conference is a point of pride. “Their commitment to music education is immeasurable, not only to CPSB, but the entire state. The district’s continued focus on offering our students opportunity can only happen with great teachers and educators.”