The Prairie Landscape

The Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award - 2006


Rod and Sandy Cain

Nominated By The Honorable Linda M. Vaughn


Machesney Park


Rod and Sandy Cain

Rod and Sandy Cain, coordinators of music and theater programs at the Harlem School District and its Fine Arts Academy, make the Machesney Park schools "a 'theater' where students learn not only academics, but are encouraged to utilize their talents to make school much more than the typical learning environment," according to Village President Linda Vaughn. Mr. Cain goes beyond his title of Magnet School Music Coordinator to reach the school's students and encourage their participation in the fine arts. In addition to his everyday instruction, he began an audition show choir of students grades four through six and trains students in puppetry as well. Mrs. Cain, the high school Vocal Music Coordinator, directs several high school choirs as well as the Spring Musical and the Fall Play, which virtually all the residents of Machesney Park attend. Through their open-door policy and their enthusiasm for sharing their love of music and the performance arts, Mr. and Mrs. Cain have inspired many of their students to go on to college and further their careers in the field of fine arts.

Return to the archive listing for The Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award - 2006