Marion Community Schools congratulates McCulloch Junior High School band teacher Ron Ways on being named the 2025 Middle/Junior High School Music Educator of Excellence by the Indiana Music Education Association.

IMEA gives this award each year to one educator at the elementary, middle school / junior high, high school, and college levels, along with a multi-level award. The award signifies these educators have exemplified outstanding achievement in the field of music education, IMEA said.

The impact that Mr. Ways has had on McCulloch can be clearly seen in a variety of ways, from the number of students involved and engaged in the school’s band program; to the number of students selected for the honor ensembles; to the success of band students and ensembles in competitive events; to the bands’ community impact in various parades and more; to the school’s music program being recognized as one of the best in the state, having earned the Indiana State School Music Association’s Junior High / Middle School / Elementary Total Department All Music Award nine years in a row — the only school in the state to do so!

Marion Community Schools is so proud of Mr. Ways, and we are grateful to him for his work to provide Marion students excellent opportunities throughout the year!

You can come out and support the outstanding young musicians under Ways’ leadership over the next several weeks! The McCulloch bands will be featured in the Christmas City USA parade in downtown Marion starting at 7 p.m. Nov. 23, and the McCulloch bands’ holiday concert is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, on the main stage at the Walton Performing Arts Center at Marion High School, 750 W. 26th St.