LHHS Choir Director Michael O'Hern is congratulated by his mom after receiving the Texas Choral Excellence Award.
Michael O’Hern, Lake Highlands High School’s long-time choir director, received the Texas Choral Excellence Award this summer from the Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA). O’Hern was surprised with the honor at the group’s recent convention in San Antonio.
According to Kari Gilbertson, director of Forest Meadow’s choir department, “the Excellence Award was founded when Mike was President of TCDA during their 50th Anniversary year. Obviously, many of us think he certainly deserved it!”
In presenting the award, TCDA President Amy Allibon praised O’Hern as a 29-year veteran of the Texas choral classroom. “His awards and accolades are certainly notable hallmarks of his career, but they are not what has defined Mike’s place in Texas choral music,” she said. Nor are the two textbooks he’s written. “What he has REALLY accomplished,” Allibon stressed, “is being an amazing teacher.”
O’Hern was nominated for the award by his peers. He was selected based on excellence in teaching & choral performances and evidence of mentoring & influencing other teachers. To add to the surprise, Gilbertson and friends had arranged for O’Hern’s mother and brother to be on hand to see him receive the award. Congratulations, MOH!
