Board congratulates recipients of Joan Mantle Music Trust Awards

A number of students from Rainbow Schools have received Joan Mantle Music Trust Awards to commemorate their excellence in music, academics and community involvement.

Awards were presented to Christopher Ahrbeck of Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School, Sun-Jung Nam of MacLeod Public School and James Beres of Chelmsford Valley District Composite School at recent graduation ceremonies. An award will also be presented to Manitoulin Secondary School student Kyle Burt at the school’s annual awards ceremony in December.

“These schools have received funds from the Joan Mantle Music Trust to purchase new instruments,” said Norm Blaseg, Director of Education for Rainbow District School Board. “These purchases were made possible thanks to the generous contributions of our community who have supported the Trust since its inception.”

He added: “These awards pay tribute to music education in Rainbow Schools where students have opportunities to participate in a variety of instrumental ensembles. The quality of our music programs reflects the commitment of our music educators who, once again this year, deserve to be commended for their efforts.”

The Joan Mantle Music Trust was established in memory of music educator Joan Mantle to help refresh, modernize and revitalize school music programs in the Rainbow District School Board. The Joan Mantle Music Trust allocates funds to school music programs in Rainbow District School Board, one school at a time.  This ensures that there is a tangible improvement in the condition of equipment in an entire department, allowing for students to achieve more in their musical studies together.

Joan Mantle dedicated many years to music education in Rainbow Schools. She passed away on June 9, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7217.