Arts in Education

Since 1997, Young Audiences of Northeast Texas has supported arts in education and partnered with educators to bring unique arts experiences to students, teachers and schools.
Our Arts in Education Awards event honors the true heroes of the arts, arts educators themselves with an honoree reception followed by dinner and awards. Young Audiences of Northeast Texas has honored 40 exceptional Fine Arts Teachers over the last 10 years.

2022 Honorees

Rising Star – LePatrick Thomas/Ramey Elementary (Tyler ISD)

Distinguished Service to the Profession – Larry Wade Jr./Tyler High School (Tyler ISD)

Arts Teaching Excellence-Elementary – Jennifer Vaughn/Caldwell Arts Acadmey (Tyler ISD)

Arts Teaching Excellence-Middle School – Brian Persinger/Three Lakes Middle School (Tyler ISD)

Arts Teaching Excellence-High School – Todd Dock/Diboll High School (Diboll ISD)

Kay Arms Lifetime Achievement – Phil Rumbley/Caldwell Arts Academy (Tyler ISD)

AWARDS

Kay Arms Lifetime Achievement
Presented to an educator who has dedicated his or her life to arts education.

Distinguished Service to the Profession
Presented to an educator who has not only provided outstanding service to his or her students but also to his or her colleagues and the field of arts education.

Rising Star
Presented to an arts educator demonstrating excellence in his or her first 3 years of teaching.

Arts Teaching Excellence: Elementary, Middle School, High School
Presented to an elementary, middle and high school arts teacher who has gone above and beyond in their field.

This program is possible because of our generous sponsors! THANK YOU!

The Kay Arms Lifetime Achievement Award 

Jamie Reason (Tyler ISD) 2020
Laura Swartz (Tyler ISD) 2019
Denny Whitley (Whitehouse ISD) 2018
Johnny Ray (All Saints Episcopal School) 2018

Distinguished Service to the Profession

Regi Fowler (Tyler ISD) 2020
Angela Jennings (Tyler ISD) 2020
Dana Sepko (Tyler ISD) 2019
Darren Richardson (Gladewater ISD) 2018

Rising Star

Ricardo Rodriguez (Tyler ISD) 2020
Adrienne Stine (Tyler ISD) 2019
Chauncy Williams (Winona ISD) 2019
Alison Adkins (Mineola ISD) 2018

Arts Teaching Excellence – Elementary 

Amanda Dunn-Meelkop (Tyler ISD) 2020
Kristin Pool (Tyler ISD) 2019
Cynthia Dempsey (Tyler ISD) 2018

Arts Teaching Excellence – Middle School 

Bobi Jo Friesen (Tyler ISD) 2020
Amy Bailey (Lindale ISD) 2019
Glenn Ballard (Brook Hill) 2018

Arts Teaching Excellence – High School 

Kelly Laminack (Harmony ISD) 2020
Amy Clemens (Tyler ISD) 2019