LHHS RECIEVES MUSIC MERIT FOR 3rD YEAR IN A ROW

Laurel Highlands High School’s Music Education Program Receive National Recognition for the Third Time!

Uniontown, PA. April 4, 2017 – Laurel Highlands High School has been honored with the SupportMusic Merit Award from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Laurel Highlands is one of only 1% of schools in the nation to be recognized with this prestigious award in 2017.

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The SupportMusic Merit Award is awarded to individual schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. To qualify for the SupportMusic Merit Award, LHHS answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music- making programs. Responses were verified with school of officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

This award recognizes that Laurel Highlands High School is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the new federal education legislation, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The legislation, signed into law in December 2015 and awaiting state implementation, designates music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children. 
As Laurel Highlands School District finalizes its 2016-2017 budget, the announcement of receiving The NAMM Foundation’s SupportMusic Merit Award brings attention to the importance of keeping music education part of the school’s core education for all students. It also highlights music’s vital role in students’ overall success in school.
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Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill bene ts for children who make music. A series of landmark studies by scientists and researchers at Northwestern University found a link between students in community music programs and life-long academic success, including higher high school graduation rates and college attendance. In another study from the University, it was discovered that the benefits of early exposure to music education improves how the brain processes and assimilates sounds, a trait that lasts well into adulthood. Beyond the Northwestern research, other studies have indicated that music education lays the foundation for individual excellence in group settings, creative problem solving and flexibility in work situations, as well as learning how to give and receive constructive criticism to excel.

Administrators, teachers, school directors and community members are all thrilled that LHHS has been granted this award for the third year in a row. This shows the dedication and commitment Laurel Highlands School District is placing on music as a part of the core of our students’ education! 
About The NAMM Foundation -- The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National
Association of Music Merchants and its nearly 9,200 members around the world. The Foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org. ​