The Mahopac Central School District has been named a 2025 Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM (National Association for Music Merchants) Foundation for the fifth consecutive year. The prestigious honor is awarded to school districts that demonstrate outstanding support and commitment to music education.
“This recognition is a reflection of the incredible dedication our district, families and community have shown toward supporting music education,” Mahopac music teacher and department chair Heather Palkewick said. “We’re building more than musicians, we’re helping students develop confidence, creativity and a sense of belonging.”
The award program, now in its 26th year, celebrates school districts across the United States that provide comprehensive and high-quality music instruction to students at all grade levels. It also highlights districts that go above and beyond in ensuring music education remains an integral part of the K–12 curriculum. The designation not only honors music faculty and student achievement, but also helps raise awareness about the importance of maintaining access to the arts in schools. Mahopac is one of just over 1,000 school districts and schools nationwide to receive the recognition.
To be considered for the honor, Mahopac shared a range of criteria, including music class participation rates, funding, facilities, instruction time, graduation requirements, community engagement and overall support for music programs. Survey responses were verified by school administrators and reviewed by the arts education research firm WolfBrown.
Mahopac’s music program continues to thrive, offering a wide range of opportunities for students to explore performance, theory and creative expression from elementary through high school.
“This award is a testament to the work our teachers and students do every day and to a community that truly values the arts as a vital part of education,” Superintendent of Schools Christine Tona said. “We’re proud to see Mahopac’s long-standing commitment to music education recognized on a national stage.