Kickapoo Area School District Band Director Bill Doolan was recognized by Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation with an award as an outstanding music instructor.

It was the second time this school year that the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation recognized the Kickapoo district. The school received a grant from the foundation in November. On Tuesday, students and staff gathered in the gymnasium for an announcement from district administrator Tom Simonson that Doolan was selected as one of five recipients of the annual Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation Award to recognize his work as a teacher.

Doolan applied for the Mr. Holland’s Opus grant in March 2009 and was notified in November 2009 that Kickapoo was selected to receive $10,000 in instruments. The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation board of directors hand-picked the five recipients of the foundation award based on the interviews they conducted before awarding the grant. Doolan will receive a check for $10,000 for his personal use and a special award, which will be presented at New York City’s Carnegie Hall on April 16. The foundation will provide transportation and lodging for Doolan and a guest.

"It’s really quite an honor," Doolan said. "It takes everybody, from the students when I started in 1973 to their kids to a couple of their grandkids. It’s the continuity of the program that makes this what it is."

Doolan teaches about 110 students in grades six to 12. He said about 35 percent of the middle and high school students play an instrument in the band.

"What an honor to be selected from nationwide," Doolan said. "My mom passed away three weeks ago. I wish she could have seen this."