Lawrence High School choral director Cathy Crispino directs the sophomore girls choir Friday, Jan. 16, 2009. Crispino received the National Federation of High Schools Section 5 Music Educator of the Year award Friday.

Lawrence High School choirs typically fill Room 132 with the melodies of beautiful music, but on Friday the women’s third-hour choir erupted in applause instead.

The National Federation of High Schools came to LHS to inform choral director Cathy Crispino that she is the 2008-2009 Section 5 Music Educator of the Year.

Crispino is one of the six music educators nationwide selected for the award.

“She is knowledgeable, competent and creative,” said Jean Ney, president of the Kansas Music Educators Association. “You can’t beat that combination.”

The Kansas association chose Crispino as the state’s Music Educator of the Year last year, and nominated her for the section award this year.

The National Federation of High Schools music committee selected Crispino from among the six other nominations for each state in section 5.

“Section 5 over the past several years has been one of the most competitive sections across the nation,” said Reg Romine, assistant executive director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association. Romine, however, said he wasn’t surprised that a teacher from Lawrence won the award, given the city’s strong fine arts presence.

In addition to the sectional award, Crispino received the 2008-2009 Outstanding Music Educator award for Kansas.

“It’s really easy to look good when you work with wonderful people and when you work with terrific students,” Crispino said. “I just appreciate all the support.”

Crispino has been a music teacher for 28 years and has spent the last 11 years as choral director for LHS.

And though her long-term commitment helped qualify her for the nomination, her family and students point to another aspect of her career as the probable cause for the award.

“Students love her, but not as much as she loves them,” said Crispino’s aunt, Betty Grasso. “They’re like her family.”

Sarah Ramirez, a junior, said Crispino deserved the award because she inspires students to do their best.

“She’s always positive and always motivated, and she really helps all of us,” Ramirez said. “She’s an awesome person all around.”