Vocal music instructor Sheree Stoppel is one of five finalists for the Northeast District of Kansas Music Education Association’s (KMEA) Outstanding Choir Director award. Stoppel, in her third year teaching at Mill Valley,was nominated anonimously by another member of KMEA.

 The Northeast District is the most dense region of KMEA. Instrumental Music instructor Debra Steiner, who is also a member of KMEA and collaborates often with Stoppel, feels that this award is extremely presitigious.

“There are a great deal of outstanding directors in our area,” said Steiner. “To be nominated really shows the respect that the other choir teachers have for what Mrs. Stoppel has done.”

Stoppel’s reactions were similar.

“It is an honor to be nominated in the Northeast District due to the sheer number of teachers. It is a privilege to be recognized,” Stoppel said.

Steiner, who informed the Mill Valley staff of her nomination, felt Stoppel has done a great deal for the Mill Valley choir program in two years.The award ceremony for the five finalists will be held at the KMEA December Mini Convention.