Winnacunnet's Cyrus 'Music Teacher of the Year' Runner-Up

Oyster River Middle School's David Ervin has defeated Winnacunnet High School Music Director Tony Cyrus in radio station Z107's "Music Teacher of the Year" contest.

Station Program Director Jeff Pierce said Cyrus, who teaches the WHS concert, jazz, marching, pit and pep bands, and also plays the backing music for the WHS chorus, received about 19 percent of the overall vote in the listener-decided online contest, placing second behind Ervin's approximate 56 percent of the vote.

Second runner-up, Sarah DePorter, of Valley View Community School in Farmington, received roughly 18 percent of the vote, said DePorter.

Cyrus previously told Patch he didn't know what would come from the contest, but was appreciative numerous students and community members nominated him.

The finalists were chosen through the nomination process, which was conducted by Z107. Pierce said it was the second straight year the contest was run.

Ervin 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.

Ervin will also get to conduct "Sleigh Ride" during the performance, according to the contest page.