Three Lexington Public Schools music teachers, Jessica Billings-White, Rachel Jayson, and Sarah Labrie, have been named quarterfinalists for the 2025 GRAMMY Music Educator Award. Billings-White and Jayson conduct orchestras throughout the district, while Labrie teaches chorus, music theory, and the piano.

According to the GRAMMY website, more than 2,000 music educators across the United States were nominated for the award. The application process is nomination-based, and once selected as semifinalists, educators are asked to submit a full portfolio which, “includes videos of teaching class, videos answering questions from the panel, and videos where we share a teaching tip or trick that could be useful to other music educators,” Labrie explained.

The LPS Performing Arts Coordinator Angela Carpenter thinks that the Lexington Nominees stood out of the crowd because of their student-first approach to learning music. What makes them such distinct candidates is the fact that they’re so student-driven,” Carpenter said. “They’re always looking out for the best of their students, what our students need and want, and really understanding the value of having the students embedded in the learning. They also bring so much fabulous energy and enthusiasm to our entire Performing Arts Department.”

The educators being recognized as semifinalists carries personal and professional significance. “To be included alongside outstanding educators like Mx. Jayson and Ms. Labrie is truly humbling, as I hold both of them in the highest regard,” Billings-White told LexObserver. “I’ve always admired their work and never imagined myself being recognized on the same level.”

Labrie echoed that phrase by saying, “Being named a GRAMMY quarterfinalist alongside many incredible colleagues and role models in the field of music education feels like a huge honor,” she said. “It also gives me a renewed confidence in my teaching.” Labrie also emphasized the importance of continued professional growth. “I feel growth every single year, if not every single day,” she said.

Having in mind, Labrie said she is excited to continue her journey as an educator in Lexington. “I hope to spend many more years here at LHS (Lexington High School), continuing to make great music and foster even greater community.”