The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) recently announced one National winner and eight Section winners for the 2018 NFHS Heart of the Arts Award.

The Illinois High School Association’s (IHSA) nominee, Monmouth-Roseville High School music teacher Kevin Ferry, was named the Section 4 winner. Section 4 includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin. The award is in its fifth year of existence, and Kevin is the fourth Section winner from Illinois (click here for past nominees).

Kevin was chosen as the IHSA’s nominee for his incredible success as a music teacher despite being legally blind. He has led three different member high schools to IHSA Musical Organization state final trophies, including three state championships, while coaching countless individuals who have placed in the IHSA’s Solo & Ensemble competitions.

For more on Kevin’s story, click here.