Being inducted into the Florida Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame was never anything I ever gave serious thought to. After retiring from public school teaching, 16 years had passed and although I was still working with local bands, I hadn’t been active in the FBA at all.

It was “strongly suggested” that I attend the annual Florida Music Educators Convention held in Tampa in January, 2025. When my name was announced as an inductee, I cried like a beauty queen winning the “Miss …Pageant”. I am extremely grateful but also humbled by the recognition. Of course, it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my family, assistants, students and their parents.