Gregory ‘Gregor’ King, Clinton Rosette Middle School (CRMS) choir director, is the 2024 Wirtz Award for Excellence in Education recipient. King was surprised with the honor by a gathering of students and colleagues on April 23, 2024, at CRMS.

Established in 1989 to honor the memory of William Wilbur Wirtz (1887-1965), Alfa White Wirtz (1883-1931), and Jeann Sohner Wirtz (1902-1985), the award has been presented each year by the Wirtz Foundation.

The Wirtz Award encourages high standards of innovative achievement that bring quality to a public school system and vitality to a community. It is made available annually to recognize the distinguished service of outstanding individuals currently employed by DeKalb School District 428 who raise young people’s sights or promote a program or organization that lifts a student’s sense of human values and purpose.

Mr. Gregor King, CRMS Choir Director

King began his career with DeKalb CUSD in 2014 at Huntley and Clinton Rosette Middle School as the choir director at both and is currently the CRMS choir director. He has also coached soccer and is involved in numerous extracurricular activities, including starting the middle school a capella group Wireless Sound, directing the middle school musicals, and traveling with students to performances and competitions nationwide.

In his nominations from colleagues, his passion for teaching, motivating, and inspiring his students is evident and goes beyond his students’ time in middle school. King is a constant at his former students’ shows and competitions, showing his support and encouragement for their continued growth in music and academics. A testament to the positive and lasting impact King had on his students, several former students shared their support for King with the nominating committee on his behalf, including this comment from a student who is now in college who shared “I never had the confidence in myself to try out for many things. I felt so insecure for so long, and because of Mr. King, he helped me to gain confidence in myself. He saw potential in me and validated my talent. He helped me improve not only musically but emotionally as well. It  is because of him that I started to feel good about myself and to realize that I can sing and that I am capable of so much.”

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to receive the 2024 Wirtz Award for Excellence in Education,” said King. “It’s not just a personal accolade; it’s a celebration of the vibrant community that has shaped my journey as an educator. I extend my deepest thanks to every student, parent, and colleague, past and present, whose encouragement has been instrumental in my growth. I also hold my fellow nominees and all educators within District 428 in the highest regard. Their dedication and passion continually inspire me. The moment I was honored with this award was one of pure joy and immense pride—an emotion I wish everyone could experience at least once in their lifetime. This accolade is particularly meaningful as I dedicate it to my family and to my late grandfather, Stew King. A revered band director in Ohio, he was not just a family member to me but a guiding light in the world of music education. His legacy of fostering not only musical skills but also character and resilience in his students is something I strive to continue. I deeply believe that education in music can be transformative. It’s about building confidence, nurturing a lifelong passion for learning, and enhancing personal growth. With this

Principal Brant Boyer surprises Mr. Gregor King with the announcement of the 2024 Wirtz award.

recognition my commitment is stronger than ever —to inspire and nurture a love of music in all my students, hoping to impact their lives positively as my grandfather did.”

“Beyond his exceptional talents as a musician and educator, Gregor is a consummate professional who leads by example,” said CRMS Principal Brant Boyer. “He is approachable, empathetic, and genuinely invested in the well-being and success of each and every student,” Brant adds that students at CRMS have opportunities to perform and experience the arts that many middle school students do not have because of the dedication and passion of King.

Selection of the Wirtz Award was made by educators nominated and recommended by current District 428 staff and was based on the nominee’s ability to positively influence, motivate and inspire students.
 
The 2024 nominees for the Wirtz Award for Excellence in Education The 2024 nominees for the Wirtz Award for Excellence in Education are Sara Haughee (Resource Teacher, Lincoln Elementary), Cherish Jackson (Resource Teacher, Tyler Elementary), Gregor King (Teacher, Clinton-Rosette MS), Michael Lofthouse (Math Interventionist – DeKalb High School), Samantha Peters (Teacher, Lincoln Elementary), Amy Russell (Teacher, Littlejohn Elementary), and Rhonda Schultz (Instructional Assistant, Malta Elementary).