A total of 77 individuals have been selected to receive Outstanding Performing Arts Educator Awards from the National Federation of State High School Associations, including 35 with Outstanding Music Educator Awards, 26 with Outstanding Speech and Debate Educator Awards and 16 with Outstanding Theatre Awards.
For the first time this year, in addition to honoring educators at the high school level, a number of awards were presented to middle school performing arts educators.
The 35 music honorees include eight section recipients and 17 state recipients at the high school level, and seven section recipients and three state recipients at the middle school level. Seven individuals are receiving section awards in speech and debate and 15 will be honored with state awards, along with four section recipients at the middle school level. In theatre, there are six section and seven state recipients, along with three section recipients at the middle school level.
Since 1988 when the first Outstanding Speech/Debate/ Theatre Educator Awards were presented, 273 individuals have received section awards and 443 have been honored with state awards. The Outstanding Music Educator Awards began a year later in 1989, and 236 individuals have received section awards and another 431 have been honored with state awards. The Outstanding Theatre Award was given for the first time three years ago, separating it from the Outstanding Speech/ Debate Educator Award, and 28 individuals have received section awards and 24 have earned state awards.
Locally, Chanute Middle School Choir Director Lance Burnett was honored as an award recipient.
Burnett has devoted more than two decades to building an exceptional choral program at Chanute Middle School in Kansas. With a Bachelor’s in Music Education and a Master’s in Educational Leadership, Burnett combines artistry with visionary leadership. His choirs earn superior ratings at festivals and perform at major events, including Kansas City Royals games and community celebrations. Burnett directs biennial musicals of remarkable quality and fosters student engagement through innovative ensembles like Vocal Plus and ukulele clubs. His adaptability shone during the pandemic when he directed Seussical via Zoom, ensuring continuity in arts education. Honors include KMEA Outstanding Middle School Educator and multiple clinician roles at state festivals. Burnett’s commitment extends beyond performance—he mentors students to develop confidence, discipline, and teamwork through music. His passion and creativity have transformed Chanute’s program into a vibrant hub of excellence, inspiring students and strengthening arts education statewide.
