LHS Grammy Signature School Semifinalist

Lakewood High School is among 119 schools nationwide that The GRAMMY Foundation has selected as GRAMMY Signature Schools semifinalists for 2016. Created in 1998, the GRAMMY Signature Schools program recognizes top U.S. public high schools that are making an outstanding commitment to music education during an academic school year. Only two other Ohio schools were named a semifinalist.

Lakewood High’s George P. Read Music Department includes more than 20 curricular and extra-curricular performance ensembles directed by award-winning certified music educators. Besides ensemble offerings, the criteria for the award included the extent of the elementary and middle school programs and district and community support.

“We are very proud of the talent and dedication of our music teachers and students. LHS is grateful for an administration and Lakewood community that values music education,” said Principal Keith Ahearn.

If chosen as a finalist for the Signature Schools award, LHS will receive a custom award and monetary grant to benefit its music program. The top programs are designated Gold recipients, and the best program of the Gold recipients is designated as the National GRAMMY Signature School. The remaining schools are designated as GRAMMY Signature Schools.

"From our perspective, many public high schools across the country provide top notch music education programs for their students—often working with very limited financial means," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Foundation. "Our GRAMMY Signature Schools program steps in to augment those resources with cash grants, and to celebrate the excellence of these programs and the beneficial and lasting effects of a music curriculum in the lives of young people."

In mid-March 2016, the GRAMMY Foundation will announce the finalists for the Signature Schools program. These schools will receive a custom award and a grant ranging from $1,000 up to $6,000 to benefit their music program.

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Volume 11, Issue 24, Posted 3:38 PM, 11.24.2015