Jennifer Davis, Director of Choral Activities at Starkville High School, was awarded the Outstanding Music Educator of the Year for the Southeast region by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).
Starkville High School Director of Choral Activities, Jennifer Davis, was recognized at Tuesday's Starkville Oktibbeha School District Board of Trustees meeting for receiving the Outstanding Music Educator of the Year award for the Southeast region. The award was announced in January by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the governing association for the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA). In the Fall of 2023, Davis was also awarded the MHSAA Music Educator of the Year.
"We are very proud of how Mrs. Davis has represented the District with excellence at the state and regional level," said SOSD Superintendent Dr. Tony McGee. "Her commitment to excellence is evident in the success of our SHS choral students, and we are grateful for her dedication to building a strong performing arts program at the high school."
Davis has an award-winning 26-year career in music education, and during her time at SHS has produced an impressive track record of excellence with choral groups and student performers earning numerous MHSAA Superior ratings and Sweepstakes awards. SHS Singers have performed in a variety of local, regional and national venues. In addition, Davis has spearheaded the implementation of Piano Labs at Partnership Middle School and Starkville High School, providing students at all levels of skill with the opportunity to learn to play the piano. She has also introduced Advanced Placement Music Theory as a course offering at SHS. In 2023, Yellow Jacket choral programs produced a record-breaking 58 All State Honor Choir recipients.
"MHSAA works tirelessly to support athletics and activities in our state and to be recognized by them as well as the NFHS Section 3 region is an incredible honor," Davis shared. "Mississippi is full of incredible choir and band directors, and I am humbled to be named among so many great directors before me who have won this award."
Outside the classroom, Davis has been instrumental in creating opportunities for younger students through the SPARK ART Intersession Camp and the annual Starkville MSU Symphony Programs for Children. She has also been a leader in the advancement of music education at the state and regional level through her volunteer roles in professional organizations.