After careful consideration, the Jim and Carolyn Fern Scholarship Committee voted on one outstanding applicant to receive the award for 2008. This year, the committee awarded the Jim and Carolyn Fern Scholarship to Joel D. Watson.

Watson, a 2005 graduate of Henderson County High School, is currently a senior at the University of Louisville majoring in music education. He is a member of CMENC (chapter president 2007–2009), Golden Key International Honors Society, National Society for Collegiate Scholars (NSCS), the National Dean’s List, and the International Trumpet Guild (chapter secretary in 2007). He was the trumpet section leader of the Cardinal Marching Band in 2006 and 2007 and is one of the three drum majors for the 2008 season. He also has been a member of the University Symphonic Band (principle trumpet), Jazz Ensemble II. He is currently on the MAT program at the University of Louisville, a program granting a Master’s degree in teaching one year after receiving a Bachelor’s degree in music education. He plans to teach band at the high school level after graduation.

KMEA is proud to honor Mr. Joel Watson with the 2008 Jim and Carolyn Fern Music Education Scholarship. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors, as we are sure he will be a success in all he pursues.