The California Music Educators Association, Southern Border Section, released the names of their 2022 Fortissimo Award winners which include six Chula Vista Elementary School District educators. The Fortissimo Awards honor music educators, school administrators, and industry leaders for exceptional work in music education throughout San Diego and Imperial County. The Fortissimo award winners for the 2022-23 school year include four music educators, one classroom teacher, and one school principal from the District.
The Fortissimo Awards are selected through an open nomination process, followed by a selection process from the CMEA-SBS Executive Board. The CVESD award winners are:
- Melody Belcher, Ed.D., Lauderbach Elementary, Outstanding Administrator Award
- Hyrami Godoy, Allen and Montgomery Elementary, Ernest R. Yee Illuminating Culture Award
- Jessandra Kono, Marshall and McMillin Elementary, Newcomer Award
- Stella Paredes, Valle Lindo Elementary, Classroom Teacher Award
- Jesse Rogers, Rosebank Elementary, Peripole General Music Educator Award
- Emma Schopler, Lauderbach Elementary, Elementary Specialist Award
“Congratulations to all CVESD award winners,” said Superintendent Eduardo Reyes, Ed.D. “Art education is essential as it enriches the lives of students and the community every day. The arts strengthen students' social development and prepare our students for success in the 21st century.”
The Chula Vista Elementary School District has an award-winning visual and performing arts program (VAPA) for its students. Every student receives regular access to an arts education during the school day. Visual and performing arts program teachers across the District provide music, dance, theater, and media/visual arts classes. The investment in VAPA was among the services funded by the District's Local Control and Accountability Plan.