WRAL-FM’s Kyle Smelser (l to r), Bryan Lord & Jason Newton accept the United Arts Business Support of the Arts Award on behalf of MIX 101.5 on Tuesday, January 29, 2019.
The United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County honored MIX 101.5 WRAL-FM with the organization’s 2019 Business Support of the Arts Award for the Large Business category at the annual State of Art and Culture event. The presentation took place at the North Carolina Museum of History on Tuesday afternoon, January 29, 2019.
The Principal of Martin GT Magnet Middle School Lacey Peckham nominated MIX for the honor because of the station’s annual Christmas Choir Competition.
“The students (and community) at Martin really look forward to this competition each year, and as a listener, my family enjoys hearing from the different students around the state,” said Peckham.
The United Arts cited MIX for the honor because the Christmas Choir Competition “provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate the choral programs and musical talents of schools across the reason.”
Kyle Smelser and Bryan Lord of MIX’s Two Men and a Mom, along with WRAL-FM Promotions Director Jason Newton, accepted the award on behalf of the station.
2018 marked the 6th Annual Christmas Choir Competition for MIX 101.5.
“This year was extra special with the winning choirs performing on FOX 50 for three consecutive nights!” said Newton. “I personally think it’s great we support art/music in schools as those programs typically are the first to feel the effects when cuts have to be made. Plus the choirs loved hearing their songs on the radio and seeing themselves on TV!”
Newton and the staff at MIX were bowled over not only by receiving the award, but at the thoughtfulness of Martin Middle nominating them.
“When Martin’s Principal sent me the request for applying for the award, I was kind of shocked and impressed at the same time,” said Newton. “I really can’t recall or ever had someone take it upon themselves to seek out recognition in our behalf. My experience it’s usually it’s the other way around. Just proves the impact MIX has in our community and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Thanks to WRAL-FM’s Jason Newton for this capcom photo.
