Dr. Roosevelt Griffin III, Harvey School District 152 Band Director and Instructor was recently announced by the GRAMMY Foundation and The Recording Academy as one of the 25 Semifinalists for the “2017 Music Educator Award.”
The finalists will be announced in December 2016.
Each year, one recipient is selected from 10 finalists and recognized for their remarkable impact on students’ lives. The fourth annual honoree will be flown to the host city of the GRAMMY Awards to be recognized during GRAMMY Week 2017. The recipient will also attend the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards ceremony and a range of GRAMMY Foundation events.
The “Music Educator Award” recognizes current music school educators (kindergarten through college, 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 schools.
Dr. Roosevelt Griffin is the only Illinois semifinalist for this distinctive award. In May 2016, Dr. Griffin was one of 290 Quarterfinalists for the “2017 Music Award.”
In 2001, Dr. Griffin earned a bachelor of music degree from Northern Illinois University, master’s degree in school leadership from Concordia University in 2011, Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Argosy University and currently holds the status of Scholar at Northwestern University. Dr. Griffin was born and raised in Harvey, IL where he received his elementary education at Harvey School District 152. He attended Riley Elementary and Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School. He graduated from Thornridge High School in Dolton, IL.
Harvey Public Schools District 152 has eight public schools ranging from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The School District is located in Harvey, Illinois and is about 20 miles south of downtown Chicago, Illinois.
According to GRAMMY Foundation officials, a total of 25 music teachers from 25 cities across 16 states were announced as semifinalists for the “2017 Music Educator Award.” Initial nominations were submitted from all 50 states.
Recipient, Finalists, and Semifinalists will receive cash honorariums, with generous support and resources provided by the GRAMMY Foundation’s Education Champions: Converse, Disney Performing Arts, Ford Motor Company Fund, and Journeys.
The GRAMMY Foundation was established in 1988 to cultivate the understanding, appreciation, and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to American culture. The Foundation accomplishes this mission through programs and activities that engage the music industry and cultural community as well as the general public. The Foundation works in partnership year-round with its founder, The Recording Academy, to bring national attention to important issues such as the value and impact of music and arts education and the urgency of preserving our rich cultural heritage.
The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers, and recording professionals dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards—the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music—The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education, and human services programs.
