Melissa Bray is Westonka's April Feature Teacher

By Lorrie Ham 

Congratulations to Melissa Bray, the April Lord Fletcher’s Feature Teacher. Bray is a music teacher at Shirley Hills Primary School. She graduated from Bemidji State University with degrees in vocal and classroom music education and piano. She subsequently earned her Masters in teaching and learning from St. Mary’s University. She also has two levels of Orff training, as well as two levels of Kodaly.

Bray has been a teacher at Shirley Hills for eight years. Prior to that, she taught in Big Lake for four years and North St. Paul for one year.

In addition to teaching, Bray has been a private voice instructor, choir director, music camp instructor, alto section leader of the MN All State Choir and St. John’s Boys’ Choir camp director.

“Mrs. Bray is an amazing director and our students are so lucky to have her. She has very high expectations and the students meet them. Our students have amazing concerts and I love watching Mrs. Bray direct. She is so proud!” Principal Ann Swanson said. “She teaches the students so much more than just music. She teaches the students to have a passion and love for music, manners, great posture and self-esteem. Watching the students' confidence grow as they move through Shirley Hills is so impressive. Mrs. Bray has a lot to do with that growth.”

Outside of the classroom, Bray has been on the SIT Team for four years, the Continuing Ed Committee for seven years, the operetta director at Shirley Hills for three years, and a union representative for four years.

“I feel very honored to be chosen for this award,” Bray said. “I love working at Shirley Hills – the staff and students are great to work with. This district has been the perfect place for me to teach students about music. Their energy and enthusiasm are the reasons I love my job!”

Each Feature Teacher winner receives a certificate for a brunch for two at Lord Fletcher’s.