The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) recently honored Riverbank High School (RHS) Band Director Joey Aguilar with the Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction. The special NSHSS program honors educators around the world. Aguilar was nominated by RHS senior Matthew Knerr.

Unbeknownst to Aguilar he received the notice when he picked up his mail and opened the large envelope that had two letters and a certificate detailing the honor.

“I was pretty surprised to be honest,” said Aguilar. “I was even more surprised when Matthew told me that he nominated several RHS teachers but it seems like I was the only one selected.”

The letter stated that the, “nomination as an Educator of Distinction by Matthew Knerr is a testament to the lasting impact you are making on today’s youth. This honor is presented to you because of your dedication to teaching and learning and the difference you are making as a role model, source of inspiration, and leader in your profession.”

Knerr is a student in Aguilar’s Advanced Band class that was accepted to UCLA on a full ride scholarship where he plans on studying music education to become a music teacher. He plays baritone saxophone in the Advanced Band.

“He served as the drum major (student conductor) for the marching band and he was part of the indoor percussion ensemble,” remarked Aguilar. “This year I let him compose the music for the percussion ensemble, where we placed third in the Percussion Concert A class at the C.V.G.P.C. (Central Valley Guard and Percussion Circuit) Championships on April 1.”

Aguilar has been teaching for 16 years and has been at RHS for 10 years. In the fall he plans on attending Sacramento State to achieve a Masters degree in Conducting.

As explained in the letter, “the Educator of Distinction program, established by our Co-founder Claes Nobel, embraces the Nobel family’s tradition of recognizing world-class minds and supports the vision of NSHSS to connect its members with meaningful content, resources, and personal networks. Through the experience and opportunities that we provide, NSHSS helps young people build upon their academic success and develop the skills, motivation, and determination to change our world for the better.”

Through the years Aguilar has taught Advanced Band and Beginner Band classes. He also instructs the colorguard class and guitar class. For a few years he taught choir but no longer offers that class. He also taught the Riverbank Indoor Percussion Ensemble, Cardozo Winterguard, and has done private lessons after school. In 2018, Aguilar re-established the Riverbank Marching Band and Colorguard. They have hosted a variety of fundraisers for the music program as well.

Aguilar added, “With this honor, I can now nominate students for scholarships and apply for grants for myself to further my own education and apply for other grants to help funding with educational projects.”

NSHSS was formed in 2002 by James W. Lewis and Claes Nobel. For more information visit www.nshss.org.