KPS Music Educator Angela Wright Receives
UNK Gary Thomas Distinguished Music Alumna Award

Kearney Public Schools proudly celebrates music educator Angela Wright, who has been selected as the 2026 Gary Thomas Distinguished Music Alumna Award recipient by the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

The prestigious award recognizes outstanding UNK music alumni whose careers have made a lasting impact on music education and the communities they serve. Wright will be honored during the 46th Annual UNK Distinguished Alumni Awards Luncheon on October 2 as part of the university's Homecoming celebration.

For the past 24 years, Wright has inspired thousands of Kearney Public Schools students as a K-5 music specialist, helping young learners discover the joy of music while fostering creativity, confidence, and lifelong appreciation for the arts. She began her teaching career at Sumner-Eddyville-Miller Public Schools before joining KPS, bringing 27 years of dedication to music education.

Beyond the classroom, Wright serves as president of the Nebraska Music Education Association and has provided leadership through workshops, honor choirs, music festivals, and mentoring opportunities for educators across the state. She also serves on the boards of the Kearney Concert Association and Handbell Musicians of America Area 8-Nebraska, directs the Platte River Children's Chorale, and leads church choir and handbell ensembles in Kearney.

Wright has also played an important role in developing the next generation of music educators by mentoring new teachers at Kearney Public Schools and serving as a cooperating teacher for University of Nebraska at Kearney education students. Her commitment to excellence earned her Kearney Public Schools' Outstanding Educator Award in 2021.

"We are incredibly proud of Mrs. Wright and this well-deserved recognition," said Kearney Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jason Mundorf. "Her passion for music education, unwavering commitment to students, leadership within Meadowlark, as well as her broader leadership in KPS and throughout Nebraska have enriched countless lives. She has developed the love of music for many students and helped them find and demonstrate their abilities to sing and perform. Angela exemplifies the excellence in teaching we strive for in Kearney Public Schools and we are grateful to have her on our team!"

A 1999 graduate of UNK with a bachelor's degree in music education, Wright later earned her Master of Arts in Music Education from the university in 2005. During her time at UNK, she performed in numerous ensembles, including the Nebraskats, Pride of the Plains Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, University Chorus, Women's Chorus, and Jazz/Rock Ensemble.

Kearney Public Schools congratulates Angela Wright on this remarkable achievement and thanks her for her extraordinary contributions to students, colleagues, and music education throughout Nebraska.