(Photo provided) Marshall County Schools Superintendent Shelby Haines, right, poses with her West Virginia Music Educators Association Superintendent of the Year award. She was nominated by John Marshall High School Band Director Tracey Filben, left, for her support of the arts in Marshall County Schools. Haines was honored during a ceremony at the 2024 WVMEA In-Service Conference in Charleston.

MOUNDSVILLE – Marshall County Schools Superintendent Shelby Haines is the West Virginia Music Educators Association Superintendent of the Year for 2024.

Haines received the honor during the association’s conference held recently in Charleston.

Tracey Filben, director of bands for John Marshall High School, nominated Haines for the award because of support of the arts in Marshall County.

In her letter to the association, Filben said she wanted to nominate Haines because “she exemplifies everything this award stands for.”

“Since Dr. Haines has become the Marshall County superintendent, she has supported music in every way possible,” Filben wrote. “Dr. Haines and the Marshall County Board of Education approve all of the music educators to attend the WVMEA Conference each year and cover our expenses.

“Additionally, they provide funding to the music teachers each year via Step 7 Funds,” she continued. “I have also consistently received additional funding for special projects such as uniforms and large instrument purchases whenever I express our need.

“I have also received support to attend many other conferences and clinics. Many counties receive nothing to run their programs and must rely on boosters organizations alone.”

Filben noted Haines also provides visible support by attending many concerts and activities.

“She has a vested interest in all of the students of Marshall County and makes herself accessible to staff members to help with anything needed,” Filben wrote. “The music educators are supported not only at a surface level. While we certainly promote our programs via social media, the support runs much deeper than that.

“I know that I can go to Dr. Haines with any issues or needs I may have and she will do her best to help provide solutions, whether the issue is with scheduling, funding, transportation, etc,” Filben added.

Haines said Tuesday that she was honored to be nominated and to attend the conference.

“That was exciting to be able to go to the music conference and see our music teachers in action at the conference,” Haines said. “They do a wonderful job with the students and representing Marshall County, which was exciting.”

Haines said it is important to have music education, the band, chorus and other arts in the schools so every student has the opportunity to participate in an activity they love.

“We’re extremely lucky in Marshall County to have a group of teachers who are not only personally talented, but have a passion for music and inspire children to love music as much as they do,” Haines said.

Haines said she was not musically inclined as a student, but she enjoyed watching performances.

“Maybe that’s why I look up to them even more and appreciate their talents,” she said.

Haines said participation in musical programs has much increased during the last few years.

Filben noted in her letter that Marshall County School has a “long-standing tradition of support for the fine arts.”

“Dr. Haines has certainly continued that in her time as superintendent. She helps to provide us with appropriate staff development topics and time to meet as a music staff,” Filben said. “Again, I cannot accurately express my gratitude for the support that Dr. Haines has provided for the arts in Marshall County Schools. I feel that she is very deserving of this award and I appreciate your consideration.”