The Herricks Public Schools are delighted to announce that the Tri-M Music Honor Societies of both Herricks High School and Herricks Middle School have received the 2017-18 Chapter of the Year awards, presented by the National Association for Music Education and sponsored by Simply Sheets Fundraising. The National Chapter of the Year Program is designed to motivate and reward chapters that perform service projects, encourage chapter officers to perform their duties properly and increase awareness and interest in what other Tri-M chapters are doing.
As the Junior and Senior Tri-M National Chapters of the Year, the groups from both buildings were presented with engraved permanent service plaques during a visit from NYSSMA President Michael Salzman. They will also receive scholarship awards in the amounts of $1,000 and $800 for the high school and middle school, respectively, which will be used to fund a professional development activity for the chapters. Advisers and students involved will discuss possibilities once the school year commences to determine specific details.
Herricks High School’s Tri-M chapter is led by District Director of Music and Performing Arts Anissa Arnold and that at the middle school is advised by teacher Alicia Brown. The Herricks Middle School Chapter was activated two years ago and all involved are very proud and humbled by this honor. The Herricks High School Chapter has been active since 1986 and has received the Tri-M Chapter of the Year distinction numerous times in the past.
Both organizations have dedicated themselves to giving back to the community through fundraising and coordinating events that involve their entire school. The high school Tri-M students facilitated the annual Herricks Idol, the NYSSMA Festival and performances for patients and families at LIJ Medical Center as well as various service projects throughout the district. The middle school members raised funds for NYU Winthrop Hospital and also held a toy drive. Both chapters supported the Give a Note Foundation through charitable efforts. The High School chapter was distinguished as second place winners in this national contest and received a guitar, t-shirts and other donations through NAfME Sponsors. The high school Tri-M additionally donated to students in need and showed their support by purchasing a brick at the John Coltrane Home in Dix Hills.
The Tri-M Music Honor Society is the international music honor society for middle/junior high and high school students, and a program of the National Association for Music Education. It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and inspire other students to excel at music and leadership. NAfME advocates at the local, state and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers. NYSSMA is its New York State affiliate.
