McHenry High School Tri-M Music Honor society earns top national award
A year after being runner-up to the national award, the McHenry Community High School’s Tri-M Music Honor Society was named 2025-26 National Tri-M Chapter of the Year by the National Association for Music Education.
The award includes a $1,000 scholarship and a personalized plaque. The scholarship can be used for professional development activities for members.
The national chapter of the year program is designed to motivate and reward chapters and students for outstanding achievement and service through music. The McHenry High School chapter hosts an annual Children’s Music Day as well as a Middle School Music Clinic for younger musicians.
In addition, the chapter organizes and hosts a CoffeeHouse event to invite other high school musicians to perform, and conducts music classes for adjusted learning students.
Tri-M Music Honor Society is a worldwide organization with 2,100 chapters in all 50 states and 15 countries.
“This is a massive testament to our students’ tireless dedication, leadership, and service to our community and music program,” said Tracy Tobin, chapter advisor.
Last year, the McHenry chapter earned runner-up to the national chapter of the year, earning an $800 scholarship.
The 2025-26 officers are: Taylor Carpenter, Ele Kinser, Cayden McLean, Cameron Music and Matt Zurawski.
The members are: Kiersten Anderson, Leah Atkinson, Isaac Bodecker, Natalia Colin Dominguez, Lizzy Donlan, Evamay Dugger, Jessica Dumelle, Jaycie Finch, Henry Fitzgerald, Xander Garces, Monzerat Garcia, Sage Grossmayer, Ella Hatfield, Carson Havard, Charlie Johnson, Hailey LaForme, Leonardo Macias, Evan Mai, Joselin McDougall, Abagail Mills-Bedell, Lindsey Minter, Elizabeth (Lizzie) Mueller, Elliana (Elli) Perlow, Lilah Petscher, Addyson Rebman, Francisco Reyes-Dorantes, Kathryn Ryan, Amelia Schoenherr, Caeden Scott, Isabel Sheppard, Melody Simons, Lillianna Slepcevich, Nicholas Smiesko, Seven Snelton, Anna Szczepanik, and Austin Tomlinson