Growing up in New Jersey as the daughter of two teachers, Jackie Kovacs can’t remember a time when she wasn’t involved in some sort of activity. From clubs, to sports, to music, she and her siblings were always on the go. Looking back, Maine-Endwell High School’s Director of Bands wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I wanted to be around the people doing what I enjoyed, which was music, but it also created such a sense of family,” said Kovacs.
For Kovacs, it was these early experiences that laid the groundwork for her future career in education. Now 30 years in, armed with immense knowledge and experience in the music field and beyond, she finds joy and excitement each time she walks through the band room doors.
“I think the biggest thing for me is just the continued opportunity to work with people, and now, on this end of it, work with students, sharing their love for music and my love of music,” said Kovacs.
With 20 years of experience at Maine-Endwell, Kovacs has touched the lives of countless students. Whether they’ve been playing instruments for years or starting from square one, the veteran teacher has left an impact on so many across our community and beyond. Now, that hard work has been recognized. We’re proud to announce that Jackie Kovacs has been named this year’s New York State School Music Association Established Educator. The award is one of the most prestigious honors in New York music education.
“It came as a surprise,” said Kovacs.
While you won’t find anyone more humble than Kovacs, she says this is an incredible honor, and one she’s proud to bring home to Maine-Endwell.
And although she doesn’t do it for the accolades, this music director says seeing the improvement of her students, both through music and their academics is the most rewarding part of her job.
“Through my years, working in the middle school and now here, seeing them mature and grow up, that has been amazing, but I also think it’s getting the students to realize the talent they have that contributes to the society and their greater role here at Maine-Endwell,” said Kovacs.
Now 30 years into her teaching career, Kovacs has done it all, but she says each day brings on something brand new.
“I’m never done learning, and that’s what keeps me going,” said Kovacs.
Kovacs received the honor at the NYSSMA Winter Conference in Rochester. The event highlights the top school performers in the state. New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) is the largest, most successful National Association for Music Education unit in the United States. It includes over 5000 members from Buffalo to NYC.