Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA) has chosen Kewaskum Middle School’s own Principal, Julie Skelton as the recipient of the Distinguished Administrator Award. Recognizing a school administrator who advocates for music being a vital component of a well-rounded education is the purpose of this award.
Being in education for 24 years, Skelton has had many years in Kewaskum as the principal. She has been there for 15 years. Before that, she was a principal in Oshkosh for two years and taught fourth, fifth and sixth grade.
Despite her years in education and hard work put into the music program, she didn’t expect to win the award. She didn’t even know she was nominated.
“I didn’t know that my music teacher nominated me for it. It was actually kind of funny when the letter for it came that I had received it,” Skelton said.
The teacher had asked for her resume to sneakily get the information to nominate her for the award.
The award is awarded yearly and is based on values that are held by nominees. Skelton explained, “It really is kind of values and things that I hold very high for making sure our kids have adequate access to the music and the arts. Making sure that I support them in any possible way I can.”
Skelton wants to recognize the teachers and their hard work they put in to keep the music program running. Without the teachers, the program wouldn’t exist.
When she became principal, the music programs were starting to grow. Part of that was making sure that all students have adequate access to music, and helping the teachers with anything they need.
The band at its highest in her time was around 80 to 90 kids per grade level. Before that, the band was typically around 50 to 60 kids.
She is dedicated to doing what needs to be done to ensure that the music programs are growing and thriving.
“I truly do believe that when our kids are in music and in those arts, they are building a better kid,” mentioned Skelton.
She says that music helps kids becoming a more well rounded individual and helps their brains develop.
Kids at Kewaskum Middle School are required to pick an activity in the realm of music and arts. She says that because of this, students who wouldn’t typically pick that activity are learning that they really do enjoy it and are good at it.
It isn’t just about playing or singing music, it is a place for bonding. Skelton said, “For some of our kids, that time that they spend in our music program, doing the musicals or even in our art program, whatever it is, that’s where they find their home, that’s where they find their people, that’s where they find their trusted adult. That, you can’t replace.”
The award was officially presented to Skelton on Oct. 28 in Madison at the Wisconsin State Music Conference.
Teachers also attend the conference and come back better prepared to teach and provide good experiences.
At the conference there is an honors band made up from music students across the state. Kewaskum has four students performing, a lot for a school of their size and having four make it in is something to be excited about according to Skelton.
“We are incredibly proud of Julie Skelton for receiving this well-deserved recognition. Julie understands that a great school experience extends well beyond the classroom, and her unwavering support of music education and extracurricular opportunities reflects that belief. She consistently shows up for our students, celebrates their accomplishments and works to ensure they have opportunities to explore their talents and passions. This award is a wonderful reflection of Julie’s leadership, her commitment to students and the positive impact she has had on the Kewaskum School District,” said Mark Bazata, Kewaskum School District Administrator.
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