A total of 77 individuals have been selected to receive Outstanding Performing Arts Educator Awards from the NFHS, including 35 with Outstanding Music Educator Awards, 26 with Outstanding Speech and Debate Educator Awards and 16 with Outstanding Theatre Awards.
For the first time this year, in addition to honoring educators at the high school level, a number of awards were presented to middle school performing arts educators.
The 35 music honorees include eight section recipients and 17 state recipients at the high school level, and seven section recipients and three state recipients at the middle school level. Seven individuals are receiving section awards in speech and debate and 15 will be honored with state awards, along with four section recipients at the middle school level. In theatre, there are six section and seven state recipients, along with three section recipients at the middle school level.
Since 1988 when the first Outstanding Speech/Debate/Theatre Educator Awards were presented, 273 individuals have received section awards and 443 have been honored with state awards. The Outstanding Music Educator Awards began a year later in 1989, and 236 individuals have received section awards and another 431 have been honored with state awards. The Outstanding Theatre Award was given for the first time three years ago, separating it from the Outstanding Speech/Debate Educator Award, and 28 individuals have received section awards and 24 have earned state awards.
Click here to see prior winners of the Outstanding Music Educator or Outstanding Speech/Debate/Theatre Educator awards.
Outstanding Speech and Debate Educator Awards
STATE RECIPIENT
Jeffrey Miller - Georgia
Jeffrey Miller, Director of Speech & Debate at Marist School, has led his teams to more than 20 state championships and numerous national honors. A four-time NSDA Distinguished Service Award recipient and Georgia Hall of Fame inductee, Jeff has served on national committees, hosted major tournaments, and mentored countless coaches. His leadership and dedication have elevated Georgia speech and debate, making him one of the most respected educators in the country.
Outstanding Theatre Educator Awards
SECTION RECIPIENTS
Jan Ewing – Section 3 - Georgia
Jan Ewing has transformed theatre education at North Hall High School in Georgia since 2000. Appointed as the school’s first full-time theatre teacher, she expanded the program from a single One Act Play competition to a comprehensive department producing four major shows annually. Ewing’s leadership has earned her induction into the Georgia State Thespian Hall of Fame and roles on GHSA committees for One Act and Literary events. Her students have achieved five region championships, three state runner-up titles, and two state championships. Ewing’s influence extends beyond her school through her service on the Georgia Thespian Board and GHSA Fine Arts Committee, where she advocates for statewide improvements in arts education. With degrees in Theatre and Curriculum & Instruction, Ewing combines artistic vision with educational expertise. Her dedication to fostering creativity and excellence has left an indelible mark on Georgia’s theatre community, inspiring students and educators alike.
