Music educators in county create new ‘Scholar Artist Award’

Makenzie McGrath of Medina first recipient of the honor

Provided photo: Medina music teacher Kyla Leno-Denise, left, congratulates Makenzie McGrath on being awarded the Scholar Artist Award from the Orleans County Music Educators’ Association.

The Orleans County Music Educators’ Association has created a new honor to recognize and celebrate graduating music students who demonstrate commitment and leadership in their respective music programs, while also prioritizing academics and maintaining good grades.

Makenzie McGrath, a senior at Medina, is the first recipient of the award. She received it during Saturday’s All-County Music Festival in Kendall.

“It is the intention of OCMEA to make this a long-standing recognition for years to come,” said Zach Busch, president of the Music Educators’ Association and a band teacher at Holley.

His wife Andrea, a Medina music teacher and vice president of the OCMEA, pushed to create the award. Mrs. Busch presented it during Saturday’s concert.

County music teachers were asked to nominate students who met the following criteria: a GPA of 90.0 or above, active participate in their school’s music department, and leadership in their school district and/ or community.

Makenzie McGrath has a GPA of 98.28 and is a leader in her music department. She plays clarinet in the high school wind ensemble, tenor saxophone in jazz band, sings soprano in choir and is the drum major of the Mustang Marching Band. McGrath also is involved in Medina’s Winter Guard, and both theater and dance productions at her school and in her community. She plans on attending college next year to major in music education.

“Beyond her musical talent and leadership, what truly sets Makenzie apart is the kindness and thoughtfulness she shows to others,” said Medina music teacher Kyla Leno-Denise in nominating McGrath. “In every rehearsal, she is patient and understanding with peers, taking the time to offer constructive feedback and encouragement without ever seeking recognition. Her positive attitude and willingness to support others foster an environment of collaboration and mutual respect. Makenzie has an innate ability to make others feel comfortable and confident, which is an essential quality in a team-oriented setting like the music classroom.”

McGrath was one of four nominees this year. Other nominees included Logan Trillizio from Medina, who was nominated by Matthew Jaeger, high school band director at Medina; Mallory Kozody from Albion, who was nominated by Michael Thaine, high school band director at Albion; and Owen Schultz from Holley, who was nominated by Zach Busch, band director at Holley.

“I am so proud of Makenzie and all of the other students who continuously go above and beyond to make Orleans County an amazing place for music education,” said Andrea Busch. “All four of this year’s nominees are outstanding young men and women, and I cannot thank them for the positive impact they have made.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Makenzie McGrath, second from left, sings during the All-County Festival on Saturday at Kendall. She is next to Mallory Ashbery, left, and Madelyn Elliott, to the right of McGrath.