Harry Robert Wilson Winner 2025

Mr. Scott Hay

Scott grew up in southwest Kansas and graduated from Liberal High School in 1983. He studied with Hugh Sanders and Rene Clausen while attending West Texas State University and earned his BME in 1987. Scott received his MME from Wichita State University in 1994.

Scott began his teaching career in the fall of 1987 at Curtis Junior High in Wichita Kansas. He then taught at Wichita High School South, Haven Middle/High School, and returned to Wichita South before he retired from public school in 2021. He taught a variety of courses ranging from chorus, music theory, stage production, basic piano, and a college music preparation class.

Scott has been active in professional organizations throughout his career serving as a committee member, committee chair and an officer for KCDA, SCKMEA, KMEA and KSHSAA. He has also enjoyed time as a judge, clinician, workshop presenter and festival choir director throughout the state of Kansas. Highlights include directing the Wichita Middle School All City Choir in addition to the KMEA State Middle Level Choir. Scott has received a Golden Apple Award and was also recognized as an Outstanding Music Educator by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Harry Robert Wilson Award Nominations

Nominee Criteria: 

  • Excellence in choral music training, performance and scholarship

  • Commitment and contributions to choral music in the state of Kansas

  • Positive and supportive collegial interaction 

  • Active participation, leadership and service to KCDA 

  • Must have a minimum of 20 years in the Choral Music Profession

Selection Procedure:

  • Nominations will be solicited from the general membership of KCDA

  • Nominees must be current members of KCDA (posthumous nominations accepted)

  • Nominators must submit biographical information, a letter of nomination and may be asked to submit additional letters of support from KCDA members and/or colleagues, students and family
    The KCDA Executive Board will select the most qualified nominees which will be presented to the current full board 

  • Current members of the KCDA Full board will vote to determine the HRW Award Winner 

  • Current members of the KCDA Executive Board are ineligible for nomination

    The Harry Robert Wilson Award is presented at the Kansas Choral Directors Association Convention in Topeka, Kansas. 

    Previous Award Winners:

    2024: Dwayne Dunn

    2023: Gretchen Harrison

    2022: Greg Bontrager​

    2021: Steve Miller

    2020: Johnny Matlock

    2019: Cindy Anthony

    2018: Dr. Brad Vogel

    2017: Jane Vanderhoff

    2016: Dr. Tom Wine

    2015: Mary Bodney

    2014: John Albertson

    2013: Eugene Butler

    2012: Patrice Sollenberger

    2011: Billie Hegge-DuVal

    2010: Verne Zielke

    2009: John Buehler

    2008: Elvera Voth

    2007: Terry Barham

    2006: Pam Bushouse

    2005: Cathy Crispino

    2004: Steve Eubank

    2003: Marie Lerner-Sexton

    2002: Ken Forsyth
    2001: Marles Preheim

    2000: Texanna Ollenberger

    1999: Janeal Krehbiel

    ​1998: Jack Ballard

    1997: Jim Pauls

    1996: Vaughn Lippoldt

    1995: Carol Anderson

    1994: RodWalker

    1993: Ross Hearn

    1992: Not Awarded

    1991: Marilyn Killian

    1990: Jeff Anderson

    1989: Elmer Copley

    1988: Paul Wohlgemuth

    1987: Harold Decker

    1986: Cecil Riney

    1985: Harrison Boughton

    1984: Dan Zollars

    1983: Ken Shaheen

    1982: Wayne Holmstrom

    Elbert Fly

    Vernon Nicholson

    Bob Senner

    Forrest Davidson