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Iowa Bandmasters present outstanding administrator awards

Pictured: Mike McEniry, Renee Boss, Julie Novotney, Tom Novotney, Beth Frenchick, Aaron Anderson and Russ Kramer
Pictured: Mike McEniry, Renee Boss, Julie Novotney, Tom Novotney, Beth Frenchick, Aaron Anderson and Russ Kramer

MASON CITY – The Iowa Bandmasters Association is pleased to announce the recipients of its Outstanding Administrator awards for 2015. Each year, members have the opportunity to nominate deserving administrators in the categories of Elementary/Middle School Principal, High School Principal, and Superintendent. Letters of recommendation are asked to include information regarding how the administrator’s leadership allows the band program to be exemplary, how the nominee is an advocate for the band program in the school and community, how the administrator has demonstrated budgetary support of the band program, and examples of the nominee’s outstanding leadership.

This year’s Outstanding Elementary/Middle School Principal is Thomas Novotney of Lincoln Intermediate School in Mason City. He has been a member of the staff in Mason City schools since 2002, and the principal at Lincoln Intermediate since 2011. He was nominated by band director Beth Frenchick. The recommendation letters on behalf of Mr. Novotney spoke of his part in the beginnings of the River City Honor Band, hosted at Lincoln Intermediate, and his willingness to help with the event each year, beginning with registration at the start of the day, and continuing with supervision and other assistance. Mr. Novotney was cited for diligent work to keep the music program going during budget concerns, because (according to his nominating band director) “He is a man who understands and believes in the power of music and is aware of the impact music can have on a child”.

The Outstanding High School Principal is Heather McKay of Atlantic High School. She was nominated by director Jarrod O’Donnell, and was a member of the Atlantic High School faculty as an English teacher for 13 years prior to becoming principal in 2010. Mrs. McKay actively advocates for her band program by having students regularly perform at school board meetings, and was able to seek funding for new lighting equipment for their auditorium. She has also served as board member and summer camp host to the Southwest Iowa marching band, bringing a band of more than 200 members to her school to rehearse and prepare for their trip. According to her nominating director, Mrs. McKay “[truly] cares about each of the students at Atlantic High School…She is invaluable to the students, staff, and community of Atlantic.”

The recipient of the Outstanding Superintendent Award this year is Dr. Dave Wilkerson of Waukee Community Schools, nominated by band director Josh Deutmeyer (on behalf of the entire Waukee band staff). Dr. Wilkerson has been an administrator in the Waukee school district for 21 years. While at Waukee, he has added eight band staff positions in the last 11 years. He has also provided funds annually to purchase needed instruments, and has allowed band staff the opportunity to have input on facility design in a new building. It was evident from all of the nomination letters that this administrator’s strengths are in his abilities to encourage conversation with the instrumental music staff, and to be present at events. One letter stated, “He supports band…in the public – he is proud of the band program and attends concerts, contests, and events.”

The awards were presented during the Iowa Bandmasters convention banquet at the Marriott hotel on Friday, May 15.

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