Carrington High School Music Director Honored as North Dakota's Choral Director of the Year

Annette Hovey recognized by state's American Choral Directors Association chapter for her dedication to music education

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Annette Hovey, the director of the music department at Carrington High School in North Dakota, has been named the 2026 North Dakota Choral Director of the Year by the state's chapter of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). Hovey, who is in her third year at CHS, was selected for the prestigious award by her peers for her commitment to music education and helping students become "strong, confident, well-rounded human beings."

Why it matters

The ACDA Director of the Year award is one of the highest honors a music teacher in North Dakota can receive, recognizing Hovey's decades of experience and dedication to exposing students to diverse musical styles and the cognitive benefits of music education. Hovey's award highlights the importance of quality music programs in schools and the positive impact they can have on students' development.

The details

Over her 28-year teaching career, Hovey has taught in four different schools across North Dakota and Minnesota. She believes music teachers should always strive to improve and "bring it to the next level," a philosophy she instills in her own students. Hovey also advocates for the cognitive benefits of music education, citing research that playing an instrument or singing in a choir activates multiple areas of the brain.

  • Annette Hovey was named the 2026 North Dakota Choral Director of the Year by the state's American Choral Directors Association chapter.

The players

Annette Hovey

The director of the music department at Carrington High School in North Dakota, who was named the 2026 North Dakota Choral Director of the Year by the state's American Choral Directors Association chapter.

American Choral Directors Association (ACDA)

The state organization that selected Hovey as the 2026 North Dakota Choral Director of the Year, one of the highest honors a music teacher in the state can receive.

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What they’re saying

“It is such an incredible honor that a group of my peers feel that I am worthy of this award. I didn't go into teaching to win awards, but to work with kids and hopefully help them become strong, confident, well-rounded human beings, just like my own teachers did for me.”

— Annette Hovey, Music Director, Carrington High School (Foster County Independent)

“We shouldn't ever think we're good enough. We can always improve, and we can always step up our game. I encourage and challenge my students to always think about how we can bring it to the next level, and I keep that philosophy for myself as well.”

— Annette Hovey, Music Director, Carrington High School (Foster County Independent)

What’s next

Hovey will be recognized for her achievement at the upcoming annual conference of the North Dakota Music Educators Association, where she serves on the board as the East Choral Representative.

The takeaway

Annette Hovey's recognition as the North Dakota Choral Director of the Year underscores the vital role music education plays in developing well-rounded students, and the impact dedicated teachers can have in inspiring a love of music in young people.