Washington Township Chorus Faculty Honored with Awards at N.J. Music Educators Association Conference
For Immediate Release
February 26, 2025
WTPS chorus teachers Nancy Dickinson (left) and Amy Melson pose together after receiving awards at the New Jersey Music Educators Association conference in Atlantic City.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - The New Jersey Music Educators Association (NJMEA) recently recognized two Washington Township Public Schools faculty members at their annual February conference in Atlantic City. Bunker Hill Middle School Chorus teacher Nancy Dickinson was awarded the NJMEA Distinguished Service Award, and Washington Township High School Chorus teacher Amy Melson was awarded the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Outstanding Music Educator Award for the 2024-25 school year.
Ms. Dickinson has served as the NJ All-State Housing Director for the past four years. Before that, she was the All-State Food and Beverage Manager, All-State Chaperone, and President of the South Jersey Choral Directors Association. In her current role as housing director, she works tirelessly to ensure that the All-State students are safely and efficiently assigned to rooms for their stays in Atlantic City during the November and February All-State cycles.
“We are incredibly grateful for Nancy's attention to detail, eternally positive attitude, and willingness to go above and beyond for the association and our students,” NJMEA said in a statement.
Here at WTPS, Ms. Dickinson continues to serve as the first and only choral director ever at BHMS.
“Not only has Ms. Dickinson been committed to her students within the district, but also she has volunteered selflessly throughout the state in various professional roles to enhance the school choral experience for thousands of students," WTPS Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts Casey Corigliano said.
The NFHS Outstanding Music Educator Award was presented to Ms. Melson as a music teacher who has demonstrated significant and/or long-term contributions to interscholastic music. In her 10th year of teaching choir, and third at WTHS, Melson has served as the Festival Coordinator for South Jersey Choir Directors Association for seven years, organizing auditions, running rehearsals, and planning all of the logistics for those concerts. She also sponsors her own students for both NJMEA and American Choral Directors Association(ACDA), honors ensembles, and volunteers to chaperone at those events.
“Ms. Melson is a recognized and respected leader of the choral arts not just here in Washington Township, but across the entire state,” Corigliano said. “Her ability to manage, quickly problem solve, and connect with students and adults alike is unparalleled. We are proud that she has been recognized by NJMEA for her contributions and as the representative for the state of New Jersey in this National award.”
The mission of the NJMEA is the advancement of music instruction in New Jersey’s educational institutions at all levels that provide in-service and enrichment opportunities for practicing and retired teachers and prospective music educators, as well as sponsoring various festivals and all-state performing groups for K-12 students.
"We are grateful for the support that NJMEA gives our students and teachers to express themselves and grow their talents in music,” Corigliano said. “The regional and All-State ensembles make a significant impact on the development of the musicianship abilities within our students. Also, this year's conference, of which many of our teachers were able to take advantage of through the support of our district, provided rich and meaningful professional development as we continue to bring the best arts programming possible to all of our students.”
Bunker Hill Middle School chorus teacher Nancy Dickinson receives her NJMEA Distinguished Service Award from NJMEA President David Westawski.
Washington Township High School chorus teacher Amy Melson receives her National Federation of State High School Associations Outstanding Music Educator Award from NJMEA President David Westawski.
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