DAYTON, OH. (AGEHR) - The American Guild of English Handbell Ringers (AGEHR), headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, announced the Guild's National Exemplary Handbell/Handchime Award Recipients for the 2003-2004 school year.

The three award recipients are:
Westwood Junior High School in Elyria, Ohio
Wallenpaupack Area Middle School in Hawley, Pennsylvania
Jefferson County Public Schools in Golden, Colorado

Along with this award, AGEHR also provides each school with a $100 contribution to the school's music program. An additional $400 contribution has also been made to Jefferson County Public Schools by the AGEHR local board for that area.

AGEHR has sponsored this award program since 1990. Sandra Youmans, the current chairperson for this effort, describes this award as recognition for exceptional music programs in educational settings that include a specific handbell/handchime curriculum involving instruction and performance. Past recipients have ranged in age from youth to university level and have included both traditional and special needs programs. AGEHR is proud to recognize the accomplishments of these programs and the excellence of music education that they demonstrate.

AGEHR, Inc., is a nonprofit organization established in 1954 to promote the art of handbell/handchime ringing. Representing over 9,000 members in the United States and several international countries, the AGEHR is dedicated to advancing the musical art of handbell/handchime ringing through education, community, and communication. More information about this award and AGEHR is available from the AGEHR website at www.agehr.org.