Sedalia Establishes ‘Music Teacher Appreciation Day’

The Sedalia City Council on Monday night agreed to established March 12 as Music Teacher Appreciation Day, in honor of the late Jordan Ali Halane.

Halane, a music educator, died last November in Houston, and through the efforts of Brenton Ryan (friends with Halane since 1995) and Tarah Toellner (Arnold), a music scholarship was established in Halane's name. The scholarship will be awarded to a Smith-Cotton High School senior who pursues a college degree in music education or performance.

The first award will be presented in the spring of 2020.

A benefit concert is scheduled for May 3 at 7 p.m. at the Liberty Center, 111 W. 5th. The concert is being organized by Toellner, Ryan and Gena Swearingen.

Retired S-C vocal music instructor Sandy Cordes (representing Mr. Ryan who is currently performing in Monte Carlo), who worked in the Sedalia School District 200 for decades, requested on Ryan's behalf, that Council designate Halane's birthday, March 12, as Music Teacher Appreciation Day in Sedalia.

The request was granted by Mayor Kehde and Sedalia City Council.

According to Cordes, Halane's favorite quote was “Be useful and be kind.” Halane's parents were in attendance at Monday night's meeting.