Leander ISD is proud to announce that Lisa Sunset Holt, head choir director at Cedar Park High School, has been named a Finalist for the 2026 GRAMMY Music Educator Award presented by the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Museum.
Only 10 music educators in the country are selected for this stage, and Holt is the sole finalist from Texas. The award honors music educators that have made a lasting impact on students and have demonstrated a deep commitment to keeping music education thriving in their schools.
“I’m honored to represent CPHS and Leander ISD,” Holt said. “The success of our programs reflect the support the district gives to both teachers and students, and this recognition helps shine a light on that.”
Holt began her career in Leander ISD as a student teacher at Cedar Park High School in 2006. Since then, she has spent the majority of her 19 years as a music educator at the school, which she describes as feeling like home.
Over the nearly two decades she has been with the district, Holt has made a tremendous impact on her students and on the LISD fine arts community. “The best part about this job is always the students,” Holt said. “Their energy, creativity and growth keeps me inspired every day. Music education is about so much more than just singing notes. It’s about teaching life skills and humanity through art.”
The recipient of the 2026 Music Educator Award will be recognized during GRAMMY Week 2026, days ahead of the 2026 GRAMMYS, in Los Angeles. The final honoree will receive a $10,000 award and a matching grant for their school’s music program.
Learn more about the GRAMMY Music Educator Award here.
