Awards Banquet
Celebrating outstanding leadership and advocacy in choral music.

(L-R) Martha Kunau (Metro West District), Alton Accola (Metro East District), Mark Johnson (State President), Gretchen Anderson (Southeast District), Janini Papik (Southwest District), Joy Swearingen (Central District), and Wyatt Steinke (Northwest District). Not pictured: Don Schraufnagel (Northeast District)
Thursday, July 30 – Barry Auditorium
COST:
The cost of the award banquet is included in your registration fee. Student members and per-day registrants may add the banquet cost ($30 to your registration shopping cart).
PROGRAM:
State President Mark Johnson is planning a commemorative program that will celebrate our community by presenting our annual ACE Awards to community advocates, and express our gratitude and thanks to outgoing ACDA-MN leadership.
SCHEDULE:
6:30pm ACDA-MN Social Hour for ACE Award Recipients and Guests
7– 8pm: Banquet Dinner
8-9pm: Award & Recognition Program
Attire:
Business casual attire is encouraged
Menu:
A special buffet menu prepared by Concordia College catering service:
- Tossed garden greens with dressing
- Chicken with artichokes and mushrooms
- Stuffed pasta shells (vegetarian)
- Brown butter faro
- Brown rice pilaf
- Cape Cod blended vegetables
- Fresh baked dinner rolls and butter
- Lemon mousse sponge cake & chocolate tiger cake
- Chocolate torte (gluten free)
- Choice of beverage
(menu subject to substitutions as needed)
Outgoing Leadership
Central District Chair

Kennedy Niska
Southeast District Chair

Stephanie Schumacher
Star of the North Managing Editor

Richard Carrick
FMC Endowment Committee Chair

Paula Holmberg
R&R Chair: TTBB

Gerald Gurss
R&R Chair: SSAA

Katelyn Sawatzke
R&R Chair: World Music

Kristina Boerger
R&R Chair: Sacred Music

Jon Campbell
R&R Chair: High School

Zack Carlson-Giving
9-10 Honor Choir SATB Co-Chair

Zach Kubasta
2026 ACE Award Recipients
Advocates for Choral Excellence