Orange County art educators, administrators, and arts advocates took center stage Wednesday, February 12, during the Orange County Music and Arts Administrators Awards at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ Samueli Theater.
The Orange County Department of Education, in partnership with the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, hosted the annual awards reception and ceremony, which recognized 63 nominees, including three IUSD honorees and six nominees, for their contributions to arts education.
OCMAA Orange County Outstanding Arts Educator Awards celebrate educators who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, innovation, and excellence in fostering artistic growth and development among students. This year’s IUSD honorees are:
Joslynne Blasdel - Woodbridge High School
Award: Irene Schoepfle Lifetime Achievement in Music
This prestigious award honors the lifetime achievements of music educators who have made a lasting impact on their students and peers. Named after Irene Schoepfle, the first music consultant for the Orange County Department of Education, this award highlights individuals whose contributions resonate across generations. Joselynne Blasdel, an instrumental music teacher and department chair at Woodbridge High School, has earned this honor after more than 30 years of inspiring and mentoring the next generation of musicians.
Adrian Rangel-Sanchez - Portola High School
Award: Secondary Vocal Music
The Secondary Vocal Music Award honors educators who excel in teaching vocal music at the middle or high school levels. Adrian Rangel-Sanchez, a vocal music teacher at Portola High School, has been recognized for inspiring students through innovative instruction that develops technical skills and cultivates a deep passion for vocal performance.
Kimberly Snowden - Rancho San Joaquin Middle School
Award: School Site Administrator
This award recognizes school site administrators who have shown exceptional vision and leadership in supporting and growing arts programs. Kimberly Snowden, Principal of Rancho San Joaquin Middle School, is dedicated to advancing arts education, which has enriched her school community and inspired both students and staff.
IUSD Nominees Include:
- Janine Lai - Music Teacher, Grades 4-6
- Tina Peterson - Chorus Teacher, Irvine High School
- Cassandra Gaona - Performing Arts Teacher, Woodbridge High School
- Mitchel Simoncini - Theater Technician
- Maddie Peckenpaugh - Art Teacher, Grades K-6
- Ye Jin Choi - Visual Arts Teacher, Sierra Vista Middle School
IUSD Board Members Connie Stone and Cyril Yu and Interim Superintendent Cassie Parham were on hand to honor these outstanding arts educators, who represent IUSD's talented and dedicated teachers, staff, and principals. Congratulations to all IUSD honorees and nominees for this well-deserved recognition!
To learn more about visual and performing arts education, visit our Arts IUSD webpage.