Schools
WHS' Cyrus Up for Music Teacher of The Year
The Winnacunnet instructor needs your vote as one of three finalists in a contest run by radio station Z107.
Tony Cyrus, the leader of Winnacunnet High School's various music programs, has been nominated as "Music Teacher of the Year" in a contest coordinated by Z107, a Seacoast FM radio station formerly known as WERZ.
Cyrus teaches the WHS concert, jazz, marching, pit and pep bands, and also plays the music for the WHS chorus. Cyrus, who has two sons with his wife, Joanna, a violinist who works in the school's library, is one of three finalists in the vote-based contest, which awards the winner the opportunity the conduct the Boston Pops as they perform "Sleigh Ride" next month.
[Click here to vote in the contest, which ends on Dec. 7.]
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Cyrus couldn't be reached for comment Thursday, although he left a message with Patch Friday morning stating that one of his students nominated him for the contest.
Several of Cyrus' reviews on RateMyTeachers.com praise him for his efforts at the school.
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"One of the most devoted teachers on our staff!! Amazing man! Extremely knowedgable [sic], helpful, friendly, honest and funny! Take all of his classes, you won't regret it!" wrote one student.
Several individuals wrote he can be tough at times, but does so to push students in a positive direction.
"Mr.Cyrus [sic] is pretty cool, though the first class i had with him we hated each other, but we got along great come the bext [sic] trimester i had with him," wrote another poster.
David Ervin, of Oyster River Middle School in Durham, and
Sarah DePorter, of Valley View Community School in Farmington, are the other finalists.
The finalists were chosen through a nomination process conducted by Z107. Program Director Jeff Pierce, who oversees the contest, couldn't be reached for comment.
The winning teacher will receive a prize package of four tickets to a 2013 Boston Red Sox game with limousine serviced provided by Great Bay Limousine, as well as four tickets to see the Boston Pops at the Verizon Wireless Arena on Dec. 15, where the winner will conduct "Sleigh Ride," according to the contest page.
More details about the contest are available here.
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