Page 45 - Spring 2025

Houlton’s Alum, Dr. Richard Nickerson ‘81,

Earns Prestigious Award

Editor’s Note: Rachel Fitzpatrick ’93, saw this wonderful
post and thought it worthy of mention in this newsletter. I
certainly agree.

One of my favorite events of the year has always been
the Maine Music Educators Conference / All State
Music Festival. I have been involved in some capacity
for 6 decades (just writing that feels surreal). This past
Thursday I was honored and humbed to receive the
Russell-Cox Award from the Maine chapter of the
American Choral Directors Association. What makes
this award special is that it comes from my colleagues
. . . a group of professionals that I look up to and
continue to learn from every single day.

Yesterday, I also presided over a session presented by
my niece, Hatti Skvorak. It was her first time presenting
at this conference and I was honored to be a part of
it. Best of all, I get to experience the All State Festival
through the eyes of my students and constantly be
reminded of the spark that was lit in me many years
ago, leading to this incredible journey.

I still can’t believe they pay me to do this.

www.houltonalumni.com 45