A total of 56 individuals have been selected to receive Outstanding Performing Arts Educator Awards from the National Federation of State High School Associations, including 22 with Outstanding Music Educator Awards, 21 with Outstanding Speech and Debate Educator Awards and 13 with Outstanding Theatre Awards.
The 22 music honorees include seven section recipients and 15 state recipients. Eight individuals are receiving section awards in speech and debate and 13 will be honored with state awards. In theatre, there are seven section and six state recipients.
Since 1988 when the first Outstanding Speech/Debate/Theatre Educator Awards were presented, 254 individuals have received section awards and 413 have been honored with state awards. The Outstanding Music Educator Awards began a year later in 1989, and 213 individuals have received section awards and another 394 have been honored with state awards. The Outstanding Theatre Award was given for the first time last year, separating it from the Outstanding Speech/Debate Educator Award, and 13 individuals have received section awards and 12 have earned state awards.
South Dakota, Mitchell High School – Ryan Stahle
Ryan Stahle has dedicated two decades at Mitchell High School in South Dakota. As the Director of Bands, he has overseen award-winning performances by the marching, jazz, and symphonic bands, while also pioneering events like the Palace City Jazz Festival. Stahle has been recognized with accolades such as the Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Bandmaster Award and has played pivotal roles in statewide music associations and festivals.