LT teacher receives highest award from state music association

Lyons Township High School's choral director Connie Lyda is this year's recipient of the Mary Hoffman Award for Excellence in Education. Conferred by the Illinois Music Education Association at the organization's All-State Conference held this week in Peoria, the award is the association's highest honor. Award criteria states the nominees must demonstrate excellence in teaching and the characteristics of an outstanding music educator.

In addition to being a musician and educator, Lyda has accompanied the All-State Choir in front of thousands of parents and students for more than 25 years at the Illinois Music Educators Conference. This is her last year at LT, as she is retiring from teaching.

"Connie is well known and respected by staff, students and the LT community. She has been the face of LT Choir for so long, the two are synonymous. She has touched the lives of so many, and many owe their love of music and singing to Connie," says Paula Nardi, Fine Arts Division Chair. "I feel fortunate to have worked alongside her and her retirement is bittersweet. She will be missed."