Purvis named top music educator
Photo: MSMEA president Tommy Creel, Hernando Elementary music teacher Beth Purvis, and MSMEA president-elect Jennifer Davis. (Courtesy photo)
The Mississippi Music Educators Association (MSMEA) has awarded Hernando Elementary School music teacher Beth Purvis its Outstanding Music Educator Award.
Purvis was informed of her selection in a surprise gathering of friends and family on Wednesday, July 7. At that time, MSMEA president Tommy Creel presented her with the award, along with association president-elect Jennifer Davis.
Purvis was nominated by Center Hill Elementary School music teacher Anna Fortenberry earlier this year. Nominations were also required from administrators, co-workers, and by parents of her students.
Purvis has been an elementary school instructor for more than 30 years, “and constantly strives to give her students the best opportunities possible,” Fortenberry said. “She imparts a love of music and performance to each child who comes through her classroom at Hernando Elementary.”
On her teacher page of the Hernando Elementary School website, Purvis noted that she has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music from the University of Mississippi. She is also certified in levels 1 & 2 of Orff and has had level 1 training in Kindermusik.
