# @smfschools on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/Dd9e8zuDBXq
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/71318753-smfschools-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/a26bd1a6e9.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-10-01T17:49:15.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Stow-Munroe Falls City Schools (@smfschools) — https://gondola.cc/smfschools

## Caption

#ForImmediateRelease: Stow-Munroe Falls City School District music teacher Daniel Schneck has been named a 2026 Voya Unsung Heroes award recipient, earning a $2,000 grant to support his World Music Drumming program. 

Schneck, who teaches general music at Echo Hills and Fishcreek elementary schools, is the only educator in Ohio selected for the 2026 award and one of just 50 recipients nationwide, chosen from hundreds of applications submitted across the United States. 

The grant will help purchase African drums and percussion instruments for the World Music Drumming program, which emphasizes group music-making, cooperation and cultural understanding rooted in West African traditions. 

Students will learn rhythms, call-and-response patterns, and ensemble performance, while developing listening skills, teamwork, confidence, and respect for others. The program is designed to be highly inclusive, giving students of all ability levels meaningful opportunities to participate and succeed. 

“This program is really about building community through music,” Schneck said. “Students learn to listen to one another, work together, and contribute to something as a group. World Music Drumming gives every student an opportunity to participate, express themselves, and experience success.” 

“Mr. Schneck’s work is a great example of how thoughtful ideas can create meaningful opportunities for students,” Superintendent Dr. Felisha Gould said. “We are proud to see his innovation recognized at the state and national level.” 

Schneck completed Level I World Music Drumming training in 2025 and has been gradually building a collection of instruments through available school funds and PTA support. The Voya grant will help complete a classroom set so more students can participate at the same time. 

The program has the potential to reach approximately 588 students at Echo Hills and Fishcreek elementary schools and could eventually expand to additional elementary schools across the district. 

As one of this year’s 50 recipients, Schneck will now compete for one of three additional national awards: $5,000 for third place, $10,000 for second place, or $25,000 for first place.

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## Tags

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