An impromptu concert at Fulton Junior High quickly turned into a celebration of two of the district’s veteran music teachers when WCNY Classical FM arrived to announce the pair had earned the Music Educator Award for the month of May.

Each month, the radio station selects one winner from across their 19-county listening area to be given the WCNY Classical FM Music Educator Award. While the station airs a broadcast of the surprise presentation and a segment on WCNY-TV, they also invite the recipient and their students to a studio recording that will be aired at a later date.

This month saw the unprecedented selection of two winners in Stephanie Almeter and Carrie Foster, two long-time educators within the Fulton City School District.

“Mrs. Almeter and Mrs. Foster are the type of teachers who do more than just teach,” said Eric Koproski, principal at the Junior High. “They are involved in the community to educate students to become well-rounded individuals who love music and positively impact the lives they touch.”

Both women were given awards at the concert in front of the entire staff and student body of FJHS by WCNY program manager Diane Jones. Making the award even more meaningful, both Almeter and Foster are looking forward to a well-earned retirement at the end of the school year.

“The Fulton school community will miss these two extraordinary individuals for years to come,” added Koproski. “We are excited for them as they prepare for their next chapter of their lives.  However, we are going to miss their smiling faces, their laughter and their guidance especially when the new school year starts next fall!”

An audio recording of the segment will be airing soon on WCNY Classical FM. In August, a television special will be shown on WCNY that recognizes all the year’s winners, including Almeter and Foster. Check on the Fulton City School District’s social media for upcoming dates and times of the broadcasts.