ACE Inspiration Awards

South West District ACE Award Recipient: Janine Papik

By Seana Graber

I proudly nominated Janine Papik for the A.C.E. Award from ACDA of Minnesota. ACE stands for Advocate for Vocal Excellence. The reason I nominated Janine Papik is because she has been a wonderful accompanist for the concert choir and for some of my other choirs at the Luverne Middle and High School for the past 15 years. In all actuality, Janinie has been accompanying choirs at school since the late 1980’s. She is also the accompanist for the church choir I direct at Grace Lutheran. 

I would call Janine more than an accompanist, she is someone I collaborate with and who drives me and the choirs to be our very best. Janine’s artistry on the piano adds so much to every rehearsal and performance. It is always exciting to have Janine come into the choir room to play with the choir. There is an ebb and flow of energy and expressiveness between the piano and the singers that enhances everyone’s musicality and performance. Choirs need great accompanists and I have been very blessed to work with amazing musicians/accompanists who give of their time and talent to improve the performances of each of my choirs. 

What makes Janine Papik so deserving of this award is not only her technical skill but her unwavering commitment to the students and the choral program. Whether it’s preparing for a concert, accompanying soloists for contest, or stepping in for extra rehearsals, Janine is always gracious with her time and talent. She is deeply invested in the success of my students and values both the process and purpose of making music together and the role it plays in our lives, our community, and our culture.

I always say I couldn’t do my job without my wonderful accompanists and Janine has been with me from the time I started directing the choirs. I wouldn’t want to do my job without her!

2025 ACE Award Winners