FVA Awards

The FVA Service Award’s goal is to recognize its recipient’s contribution of time, energy, expertise, finances and/or other resources that support choral music organizations and their students and teachers in Florida’s secondary schools. Recipients are those whose service aligns with the general intent of Florida Vocal Association’s mission and purpose: 

1. To promote and develop interest in vocal and general music in Florida’s secondary schools; 
2. To encourage improvement and advancement in school choral groups;
3. To advance music education in the State of Florida; and,
4. To encourage and assist the professional growth of the membership.

Eligibility

Must be an FVA member

Nomination

A complete nomination includes:

1. Nomination by any of the following
   • an active FVA member
   • the Awards Committee
2. Completing nominations via the FVA Service Award Nomination Form.
   • Submitting 3 letters of recommendation detailing how the nominee’s service aligns with the description of the award:
     • One letter must be from the nominator
     • Two other letters must be submitted by any individuals who can speak to the nominee’s exemplary service or actions that support choral music education
     • Other letters, though not required, are welcomed, and encouraged to enhance the nomination
   • The nomination form must be completed by May 11, 2026.

The FVA John Rose Mentorship Award recognizes a living or deceased FVA member who has continuously served as a mentor and encourager to, and example for, other choral music educators and has assisted in the growth and success of those music educators.

Eligibility

1. Mentor to a range of individuals currently in the field.
   • At least 3 to 5 individuals
2. Have a continued relationship with their mentees beyond e.g. the internship
3. A current or retired FVA member
4. Teaching a minimum of 10 years
5. Rated as effective or highly effective for 4/5 ratio of teaching career, and/or received superior MPA ratings 3 of the last, most current, 5 years

Nomination

In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements, a complete nomination includes:

1. Being nominated by the nominee’s mentees
2. Completing nominations via the John Rose Mentorship Award Nomination Form.
   • Submitting 2 letters of recommendation detailing how the nominee’s service fits the description of the award
     • One letter is from a mentee 
     • The second letter is from a colleague or an administrator
   • The nomination form must be completed by May 11, 2026.

The Lindsay Keller Rising Star Award recognizes up to two FVA members each year who have completed either their fourth or fifth year as a choral music educator and who have, during their time as teachers, maintained a thriving program, grown an existing program, or who have successfully established a choral program that is thriving under their leadership.

Eligibility

1. Participation in their FVA District Choral MPA for at least the past three (3) or four (4) consecutive years.
   • The number of years teaching, minus 1 
2. Showing maintenance, growth, or establishment of the program as evidenced in the letter of recommendation
3. Participation in the All-State process

Nomination

In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements, a complete nomination includes:

1. Each FVA district nominating one individual
2. Completing nominations via the Lindsay Keller Rising Star Award Nomination Form.
   • Submitting a letter of recommendation from an FVA member in the nominee’s district on behalf of the district as a whole describing the nominee’s work and accomplishments
   • The nomination form must be completed by May 11, 2026.

The FVA Hall of Fame recognizes current and former classroom teachers who have exemplified the following:

1. Excellence during a career of teaching choral music
2. A renowned FVA member throughout the entire state of Florida for their exemplary work as a vocal music educator
3. Noteworthy contributions through dedication and service to vocal music education, with special emphasis on outstanding service to FVA throughout the duration of their career.

Eligibility

1. Must be a current member of FMEA and FVA
   • Retired or Active — unless nomination is posthumous
2. Served as a choral director in Florida
3. Active with FVA for a minimum of 20 years
4. May be an active or retired classroom teacher

Nomination

In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements, a complete nomination includes:

1. Being nominated by any of the following:
   • Any FVA member
   • Self nomination
   • The Awards Committee
2. Completing nominations via the Hall of Fame Nomination Form.
   • This includes a description of the noteworthy contributions of the nominee.
   • The nomination form must be completed by May 11, 2026.

The FVA Roll of Distinction recognizes FVA members who:

1. Demonstrated excellence in the teaching of music
2. Are renowned in the area of vocal and choral music education
3. Have made noteworthy contributions through dedication and service to their students and their community

Eligibility

Served as a choral director in Florida

Nomination

In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements, a complete nomination includes:

1. Being nominated by any of the following:
   • Any FVA member
   • Self nomination
   • The Awards Committee
2. Completing nominations via the Roll of Distinction Nomination Form.
   • This includes a description of the noteworthy contributions of the nominee.
   • The nomination form must be completed by May 11, 2026.