City of Derby News Release
2008 Mayor's Award of Excellence Recognizes Two Derby Icons
March 17, 2009
Derby Mayor Dion Avello is happy to announce Glen Goering and Ross Hearn as the recipients of the 2008 Mayor’s Award of Excellence. They will be recognized at the March 24 City Council meeting, with a reception beginning at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 611 Mulberry Rd. The public is invited to attend.
“Over their teaching careers, both Glen and Ross have brought many joyous hours to students through music at Derby High School,” said Mayor Avello. “They used music to help shape the lives of our children. Now it is time for the City of Derby to show its gratitude to both of these gentlemen.”
Glen Goering led the Derby High School Marching Band for more than 30 years, serving as the Director of Bands. His pursuit of excellence resulted in a number of awards and honors for the DHS band, including an appearance in the nationally televised Rose Bowl Parade. Thousands of Derby students have been positively impacted by Goering, as he taught not only music, but integrity, self-discipline, and teamwork.
Ross Hearn served as a vocal music teacher at Derby High School for 32 years. During that time, he created a tradition of excellence for choral music that continues today. He, along with his choirs, were the recipients of numerous awards and honors, including invitations to musical festivals in Europe. Many of Hearn’s students have gone on to become vocal music teachers. The current vocal music teacher, Melissa Watkins, is one of Hearn’s former students. Hearn continues to share his passion for music with the Derby community by organizing and conducting the Derby Community Choir, which performs twice a year.
Previous recipients of the Mayor’s Award of Excellence include Larry and Wanda Gould (2002), Ray Warren (2003), Charles and Rebah Hubbard (2004), Jack and Dayle Pulley (2005), Peggy Unkel (2006), and the Derby Community Foundation (2007).
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