Marla Janak, a 1983 Midland graduate and longtime band instructor at Springfield Platteview Community Schools, was recently named as 2017–18 Educator of the Year by Schmitt’s Music.

Janak was one of three honorees from the Midwest region, which covers seven states. Educators are selected for high school, middle school and elementary levels. She received $2,000 to put toward music supplies for the district from Schmitt’s.

“No one from Nebraska has ever won this award so I was really surprised,” Janak said.

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