Lakewood Ranch High School’s music department has been honored with the prestigious “Support Music Merit Award” from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation. This accolade is part of the NAMM Foundation’s broader initiative to celebrate outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who actively promote comprehensive music education support. The award recognizes Lakewood Ranch High School as one of the select schools across the U.S. that is committed to making music an integral part of a well-rounded education.

The “Support Music Merit Award” is a subset of NAMM’s Best Communities for Music Education initiative. The achievement is noteworthy because it underscores the school’s commitment to excellence in music education amid budget cuts and shifting educational priorities. Schools that receive this award undergo a rigorous application process. They must demonstrate outstanding achievements in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. Evaluation criteria include funding, staffing of highly qualified teachers, commitment to standards, and accessing opportunities for diverse music education experiences.

The positive impact of music education on student development is widely acknowledged. Research consistently shows that students engaged with music outperform their peers academically. Music education has been linked to improvements in metrics such as test scores, as well as enhanced skills in language, mathematics, and critical thinking.

Lakewood Ranch High School’s recognition by the NAMM Foundation reflects its dedication to maintaining a robust arts curriculum enabling students to thrive academically, creatively, and socially. This award brings attention not only to the school’s music department but also to Lakewood Ranch’s community commitment towards fostering an educational environment where the arts are valued and supported.

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advocate for music participation and access, aiming to increase awareness of the benefits of music education. The foundation’s ongoing support aids schools nationwide in their pursuit of comprehensive music education programs.