For nearly 40 years, Mr. Benjamin Podolski has been a staple in the music community, not only to Wheeling Park High School but to the Wheeling music community as a whole. His skills in both musicality and educating are paramount. As Podolski prepares for retirement, he is being recognized for the following awards:
WVMEA Hall of Fame
WVMEA (West Virginia Music Educators Association) recognizes members who have developed outstanding school music programs, made significant contributions to music education in the state, and have a minimum of 15 years of music service in West Virginia.
Marshall County Strings Teacher Justin Jones will present this award to Mr. Podolski at his concert on Tuesday, March 12.
Wheeling Symphony Orchestra Music Educator Award
The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra is honored to introduce the WSO’s inaugural Music Educator Award. This award will be given in recognition of an educator that exemplifies extraordinary dedication to music education so that students are inspired and empowered through music performance. Because of Ben’s incredible tenure with Wheeling Park High School music department, steadfast dedication to the Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra, and long-reaching impact in so many students’ lives, the WSO has awarded Ben with Wheeling Symphony Orchestra’s 2024 Music Educator Award!
Mr. Podolski was presented with this award at the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra concert on March 8, at 7:30 pm.
