2024 Oklahoma Education Awards for Arts Excellence

The Oklahoma State Department of Education is pleased to join with the Oklahoma Alliance for Arts Education, the Oklahoma Arts Council, and the Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma for the 34th Annual Oklahoma Education Awards for Arts Excellence. The awards recognize outstanding school board members, school administrators, and fine arts educators for their leadership and support of quality arts education and academic excellence in Oklahoma schools. We also honor students from across the state who have excelled in the arts. 

Educator Awards Please consider nominating a colleague from across the state for this prestigious award! Nomination information is in the application form. Last year's honorees were Amy Muegge, music educator, Ponca City Public Schools (pictured) and Kelly Persinger, visual art educator, Broken Bow Public Schools.

Student Awards Juniors and seniors who have excelled in dance, drama/theatre, piano, instrumental music, visual art, and vocal music are encouraged to apply for the award. The guidelines for each subject area are available on the awards website. The student application form is linked at the bottom of the awards site page. Please consider assisting your students as they complete the form. In general, they will need a transcript, three letters of recommendation, and their personal information. The form does not save information until they click "submit" but they can view the entirety of the form before they begin.   Pictured: Sophie Deng, instrumental music honoree, Stillwater High School

Pictured above: Norman Jazz Ensemble performing at the 2023 opening reception

General Info

Applications for all awards will close March 1. The awards ceremony will be held in Guthrie at the Scottish Rite Masonic Temple on April 23, 2024.

The evening includes light hors d'oeuvres and music from an Oklahoma high school student ensemble at the opening reception. Attendees are also able to view art work from the visual art honorees.

The awards ceremony will begin at 7:00 p.m. with performances throughout the evening (from selected student honorees), medaling of all honorees, and a keynote address from a special speaker (pictured: Amber Sharples, Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director, 2023 Keynote). Professional photos taken throughout the evening will be available free of charge after the event.  For more information, visit the awards website or contact Elizabeth Maughan. Please consider nominating a colleague or administrator for the awards and encourage your students to apply! We look forward to celebrating arts accomplishments in Guthrie on April 23!

2023 Oklahoma Education Awards for Arts Excellence Honorees