MACHIPONGO, VA- For the third consecutive year, Northampton County Public Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding support and commitment to music education. Now in its 27th year, the program continues to spotlight and celebrate school districts and individual schools across the United States for their exemplary dedication to music education and their ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to music learning as part of a well-rounded education.
Recipients of the 2026 BCME Awards, including public, private, charter, and parochial institutions, were selected through a comprehensive application and review process that evaluates key indicators, including funding, instructional time, participation rates, facilities, and community support. To uphold the program’s rigor and credibility, all applications were independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a leading research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.
“Music education helps students not only academically, but emotionally as well,” said Megan Gallagher, music teacher at Kiptopeke Elementary School.
“We join only a handful of school divisions in Virginia - and a select few across the country - to receive this award,” shared Brad Ford, Director of Bands at Northampton Middle and High Schools. “This is a true milestone for our schools, and I want to congratulate everyone and thank our community for always standing behind our music programs.”
“Earning this recognition three years in a row is a well-deserved honor and a powerful testament to our program’s leadership, instructional excellence, and sustained commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Lisa Martin, Superintendent of Northampton County Public Schools. “Music is vital to our educational mission, and this award reinforces our commitment to keeping arts education thriving.”
Decades of research show that robust music education provides significant cognitive and social-emotional benefits, improving students’ language skills, academic success, and overall well-being. Northampton County Public Schools is proud to hold music education in high regard and to recognize its benefits to its students.
About The NAMM Foundation: The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry. The foundation works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry. By investing in bold ideas and innovative solutions, we strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.
About Northampton County Public Schools: Located at the southern tip of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Northampton County Public Schools (NCPS) is a PreK-12 school division dedicated to providing a high-quality, inclusive education that reflects our community’s values. By balancing innovation with a supportive, small-school atmosphere, NCPS strives to prepare every learner to be a productive, responsible, and proud citizen. The division is committed to elevating instructional quality and expanding student support services to foster community pride and to ensure all students are ready for enrollment, employment, or enlistment in an ever-changing global society.
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