Selected by a committee of music educators and Syracuse Symphony Orchestra musicians, the 2008 recipients are:

Raymond Sturge of Nottingham High School in the Syracuse City School District for Classroom and General Music

Russell Faunce of Watertown High School in the Watertown City School District for Vocal Music

Eileen Hubbard of Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Middle/High School in the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School District for Music Technology

Kathy Smith of Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Middle/High School in the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School District for Instrumental Music

Carol Fox of G. Ray Bodley High School in the Fulton City School District for Special Award: Retired Teacher

John Ianotta of Liverpool High School in the Liverpool Central School District for Special Award: Retired Teacher

These awards were created in 1996 to recognize and honor the fine public, parochial and private school music teachers of our community. Their dedication and achievements in music education are deeply appreciated and admired by the musicians of the Orchestra. Daniel Hege, Syracuse Symphony Orchestra Music Director said, “My love of music was shaped and encouraged by my music teachers, from a young age all the way through graduate school. I continue to be inspired by passionate teachers today who care not only deeply about music but about how it relates to everything else in life.” -- www.syracusesymphony.org