Teachers of the Year!
The Saratoga Music Boosters congratulate Jim Yowell and Vicki Wyant who both have been recognized as Teacher of the Year. Jim Yowell, who directs the choral music programs at SHS is the Los Gatos Saratoga Unified High School District Teacher of the Year and Vicki Wyant is the Redwood Middle School Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Wyant is the Redwood Music Director and Coordinator of Music for the Saratoga Union School District . We are fortunate to have such dedicated professionals teaching and motivating our students.
To quote the LGSHSD website, “Jim Yowell came to Saratoga High School in 2003: Official Title – Performing Arts Teacher. Since then, he has brought new meaning to that title, earning the respect and admiration of his students and peers and the honor of being named the District’s 2008 Teacher of the Year. Jim is a dedicated professional who consistently goes above and beyond for his students and the school. He is described as ‘engaging, highly competent, and extremely positive.’ He is known for his dedication to the success of his students, both in his class and in other aspects of their lives. He is caring, supportive and dedicated."
“In addition to a rigorous teaching schedule, his work outside the classroom includes attending student recitals, working one-on-one with students and developing a variety of ensembles, described as very ‘cool.’ He fills his lunchtime and time after school with rehearsals for Men’s Choir, the Barbershop Quartet, the Hand Bell Choir and ‘Beauty Shop.’ He brings out the best in his students and his commitment and passion for the music and his students is evident in each performance. We are incredibly fortunate to have Jim Yowell as part of our District.”
Redwood Principal Kelly Green said this about Mrs. Wyant, “This year’s Redwood Teacher of the Year selected by her peers is Mrs. Vicki Wyant. Mrs. Wyant was chosen because of her hours of service to the school and her students. With over 250 students in her program, Mrs. Wyant consistently delivers a quality music program unmatched by any other group in the state. As testimony to this her Advanced Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Jazz Dancers, Percussion Ensemble and Honor Choir all brought home gold awards and received the overall sweepstakes at the Heritage Festival in southern California two weekends ago. Congratulations Vicki!”
Adding to Mrs. Wyant’s accolades a few weeks following being named the Redwood Teacher of the Year she was also announced the Music Educator of the Year by KDFC radio (102.1 FM), an honor nominated by community listeners:
“KDFC is dedicated to supporting music education in schools. There’s no better example than our annual celebration of music teachers – the mentors making a difference, through music, in classrooms throughout the Bay Area. With a thank you to the hundreds of students, peers and parents who nominated their own local heroes, KDFC is proud to announce the 9th annual Music Educator of the Year: Vicki Wyant, Redwood Middle School , in Saratoga - Nominated by Ann Burns.”In her nomination of Vicki, Ann noted, “Vicki encourages and develops middle school students to discover a love of music and participation, whether it be band, orchestra, color guard, choir or all of the above. She continually reminds us parents that middle school is the time to try things and makes it possible for our children to try it all. She takes the students to competitions to see other programs and makes it fun. She teaches the essential skills of life, not just music - be committed to something, be on time, be your best, and of course, practice, practice, practice!”
Congratulations to Jim and Vicki on their awards – they inspire us all!
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