Dr. Jerry Longo, Quaker Valley superintendent, has been selected to receive the 2006 Outstanding Superintendent Award by the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association.

PMEA awards chief school administrators who recognize the importance of music and the arts in the curriculum.

In selecting Longo, PMEA officials said that he not only believes in the music program but also does "a great deal about it by acknowledging the standards set forth by the outstanding music teachers in the Quaker Valley School District."

Matthew Boice, music department co-coordinator, enumerated recent examples of how the music and arts program continues to grow through Longo's support: The role of choral director at the high school is now a full time position; technology en-hances the elementary program through the Music in Education keyboard labs; a performing arts component is a requirement at the middle school and small group instrumental lessons are available.

Longo is credited with starting the strings program, which increases in numbers and in the accomplishments of its participants.

Boice credits Longo's leadership and encouragement as the main reason Quaker Valley has the level of music and arts program that is usually limited to larger districts. " One of the most meaningful things that Dr. Longo does consistently is acknowledge the work of others," said Boice.

"I have received numerous memos of thanks and congratulations over the 10 years of my employment. I have kept them all."

Boice will receive his 2005-2006 PMEA District One Citation of Excellence at the same ceremony on March 31 in Valley Forge.