LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Kent Knappenberger upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the inaugural GRAMMY Music Educator
Award

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor those indi-
viduals whose character and achievements best exemplify the ideals and
values cherished by the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Kent
Knappenberger upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
inaugural GRAMMY Music Educator Award; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion was celebrated at the 56th Annual
GRAMMY Awards Ceremony in Los Angeles, California, on January 26, 2014;
the award was presented to Kent Knappenberger as part of the Special
Merit Awards Ceremony and Nomination Reception held before the GRAMMY
awards on January 25, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Kent Knappenberger, his wife Nannette and daughters, Lucy,
Esther, and Amanda, walked the red carpet at Los Angeles' Wilshire Ebell
Theatre along with music legends including Ringo Starr, Kris Kristoffer-
son, and the Isley Brothers; he delivered a heart-warming acceptance
speech about the importance of music and fine arts education for chil-
dren sharing that "music helps us construct who we are; it makes us
become more fully human"; and
WHEREAS, The Music Educator Award was established to recognize current
educators - teaching kindergarten through college, in both public and
private schools - who have made a significant and lasting contribution
to the field of music education, and who demonstrate a commitment to the
broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools; the award
was open to any current music teacher in the United States; the teachers
could be nominated by anyone, both inside and outside the education
system; more than 30,000 teacher nominations from all 50 states were
accepted; and
WHEREAS, Kent Knappenberger or Mr. "K", as he is known to his
students, is currently a music teacher for sixth through twelfth grade,
and choir director at Westfield Academy and Central School where he has
taught for 25 years; he is also the director of the singing groups
Apemen, Firecrackers, and Westwinds, and directs the Drama Club, McClurg
Street String Band, various school musicals, and a steel pan group; and
WHEREAS, Kent Knappenberger holds a bachelor's degree from the State
University of New York at Fredonia and a master's degree in music educa-
tion, harp performance, and literature from Eastman School of Music; he
is also a member of the National Education Association; and
WHEREAS, There is no one more humble and deserving of such a signif-
icant accomplishment, and it is an honor the GRAMMY foundation recog-
nized an outstanding teacher from a small school in Upstate New York;
Westfield Academy and Central School has an enrollment of roughly 300
students; and
WHEREAS, Along with the GRAMMY award, this devoted educator received
an honorarium, which he plans to use for instruments, sheet music,
equipment, and even some musical experiences for the school district
that otherwise would be unattainable; and
WHEREAS, Kent Knappenberger and his wife, Nannette are the proud
parents of nine children, eight of whom were adopted from Brazil, where
Kent served as a volunteer music teacher at the Ana Gonzaga Methodist
Institute in Rio de Janiero; and
WHEREAS, Kent Knappenberger epitomizes the passion for music and love
of teaching that characterizes thousands of music educators who make a

difference in the lives of the children and youth of our country every
day; his genuine love for what he does, and the mutual respect and admi-
ration between him and his students, are evident in his teaching; and
WHEREAS, There are many remarkable stories in the world of education,
but few are as impressive as that of Kent Knappenberger, who serves as
an inspiration to us all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Kent Knappenberger upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the first-ever GRAMMY Music Educator Award; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Kent Knappenberger.