Учитель музыки Майк Робб удостоен престижной награды «Золотое яблоко» за 29 лет педагогической работы

Irving’s music teacher hits all the right notes to win Golden Apple Mike Robb has taught vocal music for 29 years, 26 of them at Irving LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - Vocal music teacher Mike Robb was surprised in the middle of a seventh-grade choir rehearsal at Irving Middle School with the August 2026 Golden Apple Award from 10/11 and Doane University. “Taryn and Jon Vanderford from 10/11 News… and we need this guy. Mike Robb… you are the winner of the Golden Apple Award from 10/11 and Doane University… congratulations!” Taryn Vanderford said. The surprise came as students started learning music for this year’s musical. “I understand you’ve won almost every award… but this is the pinnacle!” Vanderford said. Robb has spent 29 years in the classroom, 26 of them at Irving. “I grew up in Grand Island until my sophomore year… and then I moved to Lincoln East… choir really was an exciting part of that for me,” Robb said. Robb studied music education at Nebraska Wesleyan, then moved from elementary music to middle school at Irving. “Once I got settled in, middle school was amazing. The energy level is amazing. Once you convince them it’s a safe space… they’re also super talented,” Robb said. Irving accompanist Julie Schumacher, who taught for more than three decades herself, nominated Robb for the Golden Apple. She said it’s no accident students voluntarily show up for a 7 a.m. choir four days a week. “He’s one of the first people in the building every day. Handouts ready, slides ready, objectives posted,” Schumacher said. Schumacher said Robb considers his students as he prepares his lessons and challenges them. “I was amazed at the level of music he chooses. I’d played some of those pieces for high school choirs… and he was doing them with eighth graders,” Schumacher said. From morning choir and concerts to community performances across Lincoln, Robb builds what the report described as a musical family around his students. “For me, the biggest thing is get those relationships, create a safe space… and then really challenge them to do a lot of different things musically,” Robb said. Irving Principal Rachael Kluck-Spann said that approach transforms students beyond the notes on the page. “Mr. Robb is a teacher that I think every adult wishes they had in middle school. He grows kids to be everything they hope to be,” Kluck-Spann said. Robb said the reward is seeing former students still making music as he continues teaching at Irving Middle School. Nominations for the next Golden Apple Award in September are being accepted. Click here to subscribe to our 10/11 NOW daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox. Copyright 2026 KOLN. All rights reserved.