Sweet Sound: Loyola Academy Earns National Honor for Music Programs

Wilmette's Loyola Academy was honored Tuesday with a national SupportMusic Merit Award by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation.

The school is one of 11 institutions in the state—and 118 across the country—to receive the distinction, which recognizes "individual schools that have demonstrated strong support for and commitment to music education," according to a foundation press release.

"The schools and districts we recognize serve as models for other educators looking to develop standards-based music education programs," NAMM's Mary Luehrsen stated in the release.

This isn't the first time Loyola has received this honor. The school earned the award last year, and in 2013, it was the only institution in the state to be recognized. Loyola also received a commendation from then-Gov. Pat Quinn for the achievement that year.

Go to the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation website for a complete list of SupportMusic Merit Award winners.