WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) congratulated Mr. Frank Gawle, the music director at Wilton High School, for being named a finalist in the 2016 Music Educator Award, presented by the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Foundation. In a letter addressed to Gawle, Murphy recognized the music director for his leadership, dedication, and commitment to the Wilton community as a teacher and mentor over the last 35 years. 

“I commend you on this prestigious national honor and on a wonderful career teaching, mentoring, and inspiring Wilton students. Your achievement honors music education and shines a light on the important work music educators do to inspire our students and ensure they have access to high-quality, well-rounded educational opportunities,” wrote Murphy. “The great thinkers and leaders of the next generation need a variety of skills—such as creative thinking, teamwork and communication—that are honed when students have access to classes like yours.”

Gawle was named one of just 10 finalists from across the country to receive the GRAMMY Foundation Music Educator Award, which recognizes educators “who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools”. 

The full text of the letter is below: 

Mr. Frank Gawle
Wilton High School
Music Department
395 Danbury Rd
Wilton, CT 06897

Dear Mr. Gawle:

Please accept my congratulations for being named a finalist for the 2016 Music Educator Award, presented by the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Foundation. Wilton High School’s students and families are truly fortunate to have had a teacher demonstrate such leadership, dedication, and commitment to their community for the past 35 years.

The Music Educator Award, which as you know recognizes music educators from around the country, is an important effort to highlight the incredible work music educators do every day. I commend you on this prestigious national honor and on a wonderful career teaching, mentoring, and inspiring Wilton students. Your achievement honors music education and shines a light on the important work music educators do to inspire our students and ensure they have access to high-quality, well-rounded educational opportunities.

As a Senator I remain committed to ensuring that education is about more than measuring basic math and reading ability with annual tests. The great thinkers and leaders of the next generation need a variety of skills—such as creative thinking, teamwork and communication—that are honed when students have access to classes like yours.

Congratulations again on this amazing honor and best of luck!

Every best wish,

Christopher S. Murphy
United States Senator