Richard Tengowski to Receive Service Award in Madison
The Wisconsin Music Educators Association will honor Richard Tengowski for his career in music education on October 28, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Awards
The Wisconsin Music Educators Association will present the Michael G. George Distinguished Service Award to Richard Tengowski on October 28, 2026. The presentation ceremony is scheduled to take place during the Wisconsin State Music Conference in Madison.
Why it matters
The association is honoring Richard Tengowski for his extensive contributions to music education at the local, state, and national levels. The award recognizes professionals who have dedicated significant portions of their careers to the field.
The award recognizes a career spanning 36 years of teaching in the Kohler School District from 1987 to 2023. Richard Tengowski also served as president of the NAfME North Central Division from 2022 to 2024.
The players
Richard Tengowski
He is a veteran music educator who taught in the Kohler School District for 36 years and held national leadership roles.
Wisconsin Music Educators Association
This professional organization supports music educators through resources, advocacy, and state-level conferences.
National Association for Music Education
This is a national organization that provides leadership and professional development for music teachers across the United States.
The details
Richard Tengowski was appointed to the NAfME Music Teacher Profession Initiative Advisory Committee in 2025. WMEA leaders selected him for this honor to celebrate his long-term impact on music students and educators across the region.
Timeline
Richard Tengowski taught in the Kohler School District from 1987 to 2023.
Tengowski served as NAfME North Central Division president from 2022 to 2024.
Tengowski was appointed to the NAfME Music Teacher Profession Initiative Advisory Committee in 2025.
The award ceremony will occur in Madison on October 28, 2026.
Culture Shift
This award highlights a growing focus on recognizing long-term career stability within the education sector. It positions the recipient among a select group of leaders currently shaping the future of the NAfME Music Teacher Profession Initiative.
Residents and music educators in Madison can attend the ceremony to celebrate local contributions to the arts. Professionals in the field may find inspiration in the career trajectory of an educator who bridged the gap from local classrooms to national policy committees.
The takeaway
Honoring veteran educators reinforces the value of long-term commitment in professional music instruction. Such recognition events serve as a vital opportunity for community networking and professional development within the state's arts community.
What happens next
The award presentation is scheduled for October 28, 2026, during the Wisconsin State Music Conference.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest industry honors at the Awards section.
More information
Find further details on the upcoming conference and award criteria on the Wisconsin Music Educators Association website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Sheboygan Press.
