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Port Angeles schools earn NAMM Foundation 'Best Communities for Music Education' award for fourth consecutive year
Summary
District staff presented that Port Angeles School District was recognized by the NAMM Foundation for music education for the fourth year running, citing community support, levy funding and local partnerships that sustain music programs from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Port Angeles School District received the 2025 Best Communities for Music Education award from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation, district staff announced at the July 24 board meeting. The district has now earned the recognition four years in a row.
Vicky Helwick, music educator with the district, told the board that the NAMM Foundation recognized 935 districts nationwide in 2025 and that five Washington districts received the award. “It’s awarded to districts that demonstrate a deep commitment to music education across their district,” Helwick said. She noted the award does not include a monetary prize but raises community awareness and pride.
Why it matters: board members and the presenter emphasized the role of local funding and community partnerships in sustaining arts instruction. Helwick credited the passage of the district levy for enabling current arts programming and highlighted contributions from extracurricular and community organizations.
Program and community support cited - Helwick listed multiple supports: the district’s kindergarten-through-12th-grade music staff; extracurricular programs such as Olympic Strings Camp; Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra, Sequim City Band and Sequim Community Orchestra; Music on the Strait; private teachers in the community; and scholarships. She said Music on the Strait and its Repasky Scholarship awarded 14 scholarships of $500 last year to students for private lessons and that organizers hope to expand the program. - Helwick described students’ success in state solo and ensemble contests and said the district’s strings program is notable for starting students younger than many regional programs.
Board response: Board members and the superintendent praised the music staff and community partners. One board member said music complements STEM education and encouraged emphasizing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math).
Next steps: Helwick said she plans to continue applying for the NAMM recognition and will work to display an award plaque with year tabs at district facilities.
