The Online Reflector

University of Indianapolis juniors Jaclyn Boskamp and Kelsey Jackson won 2010s Professional Achievement Recognition Award from the National Association of Music Education (MENC).

“[Kelsey and I] were both really excited,” Boskamp said. “We didn’t know we were both going for it, and we were really happy for each other.”

Boskamp and Jackson were two of only five college students from Indiana to receive the national honor this year. Both students are music education majors.

BOSKAMP

They were notified of this honor after applying before the Feb. 28 deadline.
“[The winners] were mailed a certificate and a pin,” Jackson said.

According to the MENC Web site, the purpose of the Professional Achievement recognition is to distinguish individuals for their commitment and dedication to MENC and music education. All students wishing to apply must be enrolled in an MENC Collegiate chapter, have been part of the chapter for the academic school year prior to the year in which they are applying, maintain a 3.0 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale and have verified their participation and involvement in chapter activities.

According to Jackson, UIndy has one of the most involved MENC chapters in the state.
“Our chapter won the Chapter Growth Award this year,” Jackson said.

According to Jackson, the UIndy MENC chapter has meetings once a month and brings in guest speakers, usually music teachers from the area, who speak about the future for the music education majors. Topics included how to set up music booster programs and balancing personal life with professional life. UIndy’s MENC chapter also volunteers at the Indianapolis Symphony for their Family Concert Series.

JACKSON

Jackson added that MENC also takes into consideration community service and recommendation letters when deciding on who to award.

“When I applied I included that I was the Vice-President of our MENC chapter, volunteering at the Symphony, working as a vocal judge at Roncalli High School’s Quest for Excellence and playing piano at nursing homes,” Jackson said.
These are just a few examples of Jackson’s service.

“Both Jaclyn and Kelsey strive to be the best they can be in their professional and personal lives,” said Assistant Professor of Music Brenda Clark. “They are committed to excellence in all that they do, and both are self-starters, each with the personal motivation and initiative to do what it takes to achieve the highest standard.”

Jackson recognizes what an honor it is to be chosen.

“It felt great to win. It shows all your hard work has finally paid off,” Jackson said.

Boskamp believes this is the beginning of a turning point for UIndy’s music education majors.

“One person won last year, and this year there were two of us who won. Maybe next year we’ll have three,” Boskamp said. “We’re getting there.”