Professor Sugar served as president of the Nassau Music Educators Association (NMEA), the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA), and the Music Educators National Conference Eastern Division (MENC) and the New York State Council of Music Teacher Education Program. He also was an honorary lifetime member of Suffolk County Music Educators Association (SCMEA) and recently concluded a long term appointment as NYSSMA Government Relations Coalition Chairperson, where he was a driving force in promoting advocacy for music education in schools.
“I was pleased, of course to hear of Joe’s award,” said Clara Sugar, Joe’s widow. “He dedicated much of his life to music education on Long Island. He would have been honored to be recognized for his work."
State Senate Minority leader Dean G. Skelos writes of Sugar, “Admired by music educators and students, he [Sugar] has been a driving source in the advancement of school music teaching.”
State Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg of the 20th District adds, “It is always a pleasure to witness Joe’s gift of contagious enthusiasm, his pride in his students, and his ability to instill in children and others, an appreciation of and a wonder at the beauty our world has to offer.”
"Although we are all saddened by loss of this legendary educator,” said LIMHoF Vice-Chair Tom Needham, “the Long Island Music Hall of Fame is happy to pay tribute to a man who inspired so many music students and teachers throughout his long and productive career."
The Third Annual award given out by the Long Island Music Hall of Fame (LIMHoF), the award will be presented at the upcoming induction ceremony. The award is open toany music educator (public or private) who demonstrates an exceptional and long-term commitment to music education in geographic Long Island (Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau or Suffolk counties). Any colleague, current or former student may nominate an educator for consideration.
Previous Educator Of The Year Awards were given to Herbert Deutsch (2007) and John McNeur (2008).
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