ABERDEEN, S.D. – Three Northern State University alumni were recently recognized by the South Dakota Music Education Association, with major statewide awards honoring their impact on music education.

SDMEA presented the Distinguished Service to Music Education Award to Sheri Holt, the Distinguished Administrator Award to Kent Knudson and the Outstanding Young Music Educator Award to Taylor Schweitzer.

“These prestigious awards are indicative of the excellence and creativity demonstrated by our music education graduates throughout the state, spanning generations of dedication,” said Dr. Kenneth Boulton, dean of the School of Fine Arts at Northern State University.

Holt has dedicated more than 30 years to education, serving as an elementary teacher, reading specialist, elementary music teacher, general music teacher and high school and middle school vocal music director. She began her career in the Twin Cities, later taught in a small mountain community in Colorado and, since 2009, has taught music in South Dakota, first at Sioux Valley and now as choir and general music teacher at Mickelson Middle School in Brookings.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a liberal music minor and school music concentration from Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota, and completed her master’s degree in music education from Northern State University in 2019. Holt and her husband, Ty, enjoy canoeing, archery and time with their blended family of eight children and ten grandchildren.

Knudson, a Northern State University graduate with a double major in K-12 instrumental and vocal music, began his career as 9-12 band and 7-12 vocal director at Northwestern High School in Mellette, South Dakota, before serving as 7-12 music and theater director at West Lyon Community School District in Inwood, Iowa. He later worked as dean of students in the Summit School District and as assistant principal and activities director in the Canton School District, where he now serves as 6-12 principal.

He holds a master’s degree from the University of Sioux Falls and an educational specialist degree in leadership and administration. His honors include West Lyon District Educator of the Year, Sioux Falls Area KTWB Teacher of the Month, the University of Sioux Falls Servant Leader Award and the South Dakota Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Friend of Athletics Award. He has served on the South Dakota High School Activities Association Music Advisory Committee and remains active in professional organizations. Knudson and his wife, Kamile, have two daughters, Finley and Maisey.

Schweitzer is in her sixth year of teaching music in South Dakota and serves as the K-12 vocal music teacher in Garretson, where she teaches K-5 general music, middle school choir and high school choir. She also teaches private piano, guitar, ukulele and voice lessons and is stepping into the role of assistant play director for the school district.

Before joining the Garretson School District, she taught elementary music in Lennox and at Longfellow Elementary in Mitchell. Schweitzer earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern State University and recently completed a degree in music therapy, with plans to provide individualized music therapy sessions for students. She serves as SDMEA Elementary Honor Choir chair-elect and sings with the Spirit of Peace UCC church choir. Schweitzer and her husband, Jacob, welcomed their son, Grayson Owen, in January, and she credits her family, colleagues and the supportive Garretson School District for helping make this recognition possible.

For more information, contact the Northern State University School of Fine Arts at 605-626-2497.