Shout out to Marcus D., winner of the Avon Board of Education’s Art & Music Award for the first quarter of the 2025-26 school year! 

Marcus, a third at Avon Elementary School, was nominated for the award by his music teacher, Mrs. Kaylee Corell. 

“Although he is only a third grader, Marcus already exhibits musical skills that could rival a high school student. Having taken piano lessons for several years, he has improved rapidly and now plays pieces equivalent to a Level 2 NYSSMA solo,” said Corell. “Often, at the end of music class, he will ask to play a piece he has prepared for his classmates and even sings beautifully while playing. In class, he is always the first to raise his hand and consistently provides the correct answer. I am incredibly proud of his growth and leadership and was happy to nominate him for this award!” 

Marcus was presented with an award certificate at our Oct. 20 Board of Education meeting. 

After the ceremony, Marcus treated the board and other meeting attendees to some music, which he played entirely from memory.

Way to go, Marcus!

Photo courtesy of Jen VanRy