Congratulations to DiAnne Mott, who taught music and rhythm classes at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts this summer! She has been selected as one of only 25 semifinalists from all over the country for the 2016 Grammy Music Educator Award. This award is presented every year by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Foundation to recognize educators who have made significant and lasting contributions to the field of music education.

DiAnne Mott teaches her Music & Rhythm class at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts this summer.

DiAnne was chosen from more than 4,500 educators nominated. In December the semifinalists will be narrowed down to 10 finalists, who will each receive a $1,000 honorarium and grants for their schools. One winner will attend the Grammy Award ceremony in Los Angeles in February and receive a $10,000 honorarium.

For most of the year, DiAnne teaches music and leads the bands at Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Central School District. There is no one more deserving of this award, because there is no one more passionate about what she does. You make us all proud, DiAnne!