On March 18, 2010 a committee of IMEA Executive Board Members met to determine this year’s IMEA Music Education Scholarship recipient. The application packets of thirteen students were reviewed. Criteria for the scholarship included having a completed packet mailed by the deadline with an active IMEA member as a sponsor.

Students supplied information regarding their musical background, extra-curricular activities and leadership and service positions. The applicants then provided a statement discussing why they are choosing music education as a career goal and the aspects of their lives that lead them to this decision. They also stated the Iowa College or University they plan on attending. A letter of support from the sponsor was also part of the application packet.

Choosing a recipient was difficult as there were many seniors who are passionate about the value of music education applying. After much deliberation, the student chosen as the 2010 IMEA Music Education Scholarship recipient was Lieza Hansen from Grand Mound, Iowa. She is a student at Calamus-Wheatland High School. Her sponsoring teacher is her high school band director, Bethany Seedorff.

Lieza has an impressive background of performance and service as a high school musician. She plans on attending the University of Iowa this fall. The members of IMEA wish her and the other applicants our best as they pursue their goals of becoming music educators.

Pictured: Bethany Seedorff & Lieza Hansen