Rakow MS Orchestra Teacher Named Young Educator of the Year

ROCKWALL, TX (March 24, 2026) — Ursula Rakow Middle School Orchestra Director Zoe Rheus has been selected as the 2026 Texas Orchestra Directors Association (TODA) Young Educator of the Year.

This prestigious award is presented each year to a Texas orchestra director with 10 or fewer years of teaching experience who exemplifies excellence in teaching and elevates the profession through their commitment to students and orchestral education in Texas. Ms. Rheus was nominated by her peers throughout the state for “demonstrating exceptional versatility and commitment to students at every level.”

Ms. Rheus will be presented with her award at the TODA summer convention in July in San Antonio.

Press release submitted by Luci Mouton, Rockwall ISD Communications Coordinator

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