Rita Stinner, WNCC music program director and choral activities director, was awarded the 2013-14 National Federation of State High School Associations and Nebraska State Activities Association "Outstanding Music Educator Award" at the Nebraska Music Educators Association Fall Conference Clinic in Lincoln, on November 22.
The National Federation of State High School Associations recognition of high school or college band, choral, or orchestral directors, supervisors, and adjudicators is awarded to individuals whose contributions have impacted interscholastic high school activities programs. Nominees must exemplify the highest standards of ethical conduct, and carry the endorsement of their respective state high school activities association. One award is given per state. Rita Stinner is the first collegiate instructor to receive this award in Nebraska.
Stinner's award was presented at the 77th Annual NMEA Awards and Recognition Banquet at the Nebraska Cornhusker Hotel. Rhonda Blanford-Green, executive director of NSAA, presented. Students from the WNCC Collegiate Chapter of National Association for Music Education were in attendance.
Rita Stinner was selected for the Nebraska Music Educators "Hall of Fame" in 2007. She was previously awarded the Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce "Trailblazer Award," the Star-Herald "Citizen of the Year," the Nebraska Arts Council "Governor's Award for Excellence in Arts Education," and the Phi Theta Kappa Award for Teaching Excellence.