Pictured is the Fredonia Central School Music Department, from left to right. Front row: Molly Williams, and April Hartung. Back row: Kevin Way, Andrew Bennett, Kristen Terreri, Michelle Russ, and Ryan Shanahan. Not Pictured: Alexandra Goff.

What Board of Education President Steve Johnston called “absolutely brilliant news” was revealed at a recent meeting of the Fredonia Board of Education.

Fredonia Central School District is the 2025 recipient of the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Presidential Citation Award, the highest and most competitive honor granted by NYSSMA.

Each year, NYSSMA reviews applications from school districts across the state for this award, which recognizes districts that provide a well-rounded music program at all educational levels; demonstrate a strong commitment to student participation beyond the classroom, including community engagement and public performances; and serve as a model for music education in New York State.

Recognized as a “Best Community for Music Education” by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation for 13 consecutive years, Fredonia’s music program is no stranger to accolades, but this NYSSMA recognition is rare. Of the 730 school districts in the state, NYSSMA chooses only one or two districts annually. In some years, no district is selected at all.

In Fredonia’s first year of applying for the honor, the district was selected. The application process is rigorous. Andrew Bennett, Grammy-Nominated Music Educator and Co-Instructional Leader, said, “The application process was the most in-depth application I have ever completed with detailed sections on demographics, enrollment numbers, sample lesson plans, rubrics, curriculum units, and more.”

After reviewing the materials, NYSSMA’s President personally called Bennett to share the news, noting that Fredonia’s application was among the best he has ever seen and affirming that the Fredonia community should be proud of the program it has built. That they received the honor in the first year of applying underscores the exceptional quality and strength of the district’s music program.

Fredonia will be formally recognized at NYSSMA’s Winter Conference Opening Night Concert on Dec. 4, at 8 p.m. in Rochester, in front of hundreds of music educators from across the state.

“This award is not only a result of the dedication of our music educators and students, but also from the huge amount of support from our families and community,” said Superintendent Brad Zilliox. “The NYSSMA Presidential Citation Award is a testament to our district’s commitment

to excellence in music education and the Music Department’s role in providing high-quality instruction and mentorship over many years. We are extremely proud and want to thank everyone involved, both students and adults.”