Tamás Ungár (professor of piano, School of Music) has recently been notified by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan that he is the recipient of a U.S. Presidential Scholar Program's "Teacher Recognition Award." His student, Michael Taylor, is one of 20 named a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts for 2010 and cited Tamás as his “life changing” and most important mentor.

 

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was created in 1964 to honor academic achievement. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. Since 1983, each Presidential Scholar has invited his or her most inspiring and challenging teacher to travel to Washington, D.C., to receive a Teacher Recognition Award from the U.S. Department of Education and to participate in the recognition events.

 

The upcoming four days of events in Washington D.C., including a “possible” reception in the White House and a program in the Kennedy Center for the Arts, are scheduled for June 19-22 which, unfortunately, coincides with Tamás' annual PianoTexas International Festival & Institute. "I am having quite a struggle with my decision whether to go," he said. He has already been contacted by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, seeking his response to the honor for both himself and Michael, who is a home-schooled student from Arlington.