January 18, 2014

Please congratulate the 2014 John C. McManus Distinguished Teacher, Mr. Loren Wenz

The OMEA Service Award is intended to honor those who have distinguished themselves through outstanding service to music education through OMEA

Our winners this year are a team in every sense . They represent the epitome of excellence in leadership and management of OMEA--our most important professional organization in music education

Jane Howell is one of the most loving and kind-hearted people you could ever have the privilege to know The concern she shows for each and every one of us, for our students, and for the well-being of OMEA is genuine and deep Jane works to resolve conflicts through kindness and compromise .

Jim Howell, partnering with Jane in life as well as work, is the perfect ying to Jane’s yang Jim’s service to our profession is longstanding Jim works very hard to keep our organization financially sound He oversees the website, audition processes, membership, and registrations Jim holds the highest ethical standards possible . When difficult choices must be made, Jim rises to the occasion with wisdom and grace Members of the OMEA board have the highest respect for Jim’s character, dedication, and devotion to our organization

As partners, Jane and Jim Howell are tremendously important to the growth and health of our organization We are deeply grateful for all of their selfless dedication and for their ethical approaches toward music teaching and learning in Oregon . Tonight, we would like to extend our gratitude and recognize their enormous contributions to our profession, from the bottom of our hearts to theirs

Please congratulate the OMEA Service Award recipients, Jane and Jim Howell