Campbell County had three nominees, including Mr. Whitford, named best out of 114 music teachers in eight counties in Northern Kentucky. In addition to Mr. Whitford, area winners include Ted Williams, at Campbell County High, and Tara Drummond at Grants Lick Elementary. They're also active in professional organizations, and they put forth that extra effort in their teaching. Mr. Williams is an award-winning band director known for giving his nights and weekends to help students. In 1983 she helped start the school's Creating Original Opera project with the Metropolitan Opera Guild, using a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Children pick the stories.
Past operas have dealt with homelessness, runaways and illegal drugs. It's basic education to help form a well-rounded student. Enquirer reporter Patrick Stack contributed to this story. The Cincinnati Enquirer , a Gannett Co. Inc. newspaper.