MERCEDES – Mercedes Independent School District has been honored with the 2020 Support Music Merit Award from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. 

This is the second time MISD receives this prestigious award; the first time was in 2018.

The Support Music Merit Award goes to districts that demonstrate an outstanding effort to make music education accessible to all students. Districts are selected based on the data on the application, and the data is reviewed by researchers at The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

The name of the award particularly speaks to MISD Superintendent Carolyn Mendiola, M.Ed.

“Support music,” she said. “We truly believe that.”

The music program is a definite staple in the MISD education curriculum.

“Music education is so important. Not only does it help students develop talent and confidence, it helps them perform better in school,” Mendiola said. “The music program is popular at MISD, and we are proud of that.”

According to Guy McKinney, director of Bands & Fine Arts for MISD, the music program is not only supported by the school district but the entire community.

“Music education is only as strong as the community that supports it,” McKinney said, “and Mercedes supports music.”

McKinney continued: “There is a great sense of pride when our student musicians perform. Whether it is a football game, marching contest or community event, the audience of students, families and staff is there to back and cheer them.”

Research shows music education improves cognitive skills and academic performance.

 To learn about the importance of music education, visit NAMMFoundation.org/Why-Music-Matters.