KEARNEY – Angela K. (Suing) Wright has been selected as the 2026 UNK Gary Thomas Distinguished Music Alumna Award recipient.
She’ll be honored 11:30 a.m. Oct. 2 during the 46th annual Distinguished Alumni Awards luncheon in the Gala Room at the Regional Engagement Center, 2204 University Drive. Tickets can be purchased at unkalumni.org/homecoming or by calling the UNK Alumni Association at 308-698-5271.
“Angela Wright’s commitment to music education has positively influenced generations of students and fellow educators across Nebraska,” said associate professor Beth Mattingly, chair of the UNK Department of Music, Theatre and Dance. “Her leadership, service and dedication to excellence exemplify the impact that music educators can have in their schools, communities and profession. We are proud to recognize her achievements and celebrate her as one of our distinguished alumni.”
An Ogallala native, Wright has dedicated 27 years to music education, including the past 24 years as a K-5 music specialist with Kearney Public Schools. She began her teaching career as a K-12 vocal and instrumental instructor at Sumner-Eddyville-Miller Public Schools before joining KPS.
Known for her commitment to student learning and music advocacy, Wright currently serves as president of the Nebraska Music Education Association. Throughout her career, she has held numerous leadership positions within the organization, including elementary/general music chair and special ensembles coordinator. She has also presented workshops at state and regional conferences and served as a guest clinician for honor choirs and music festivals throughout Nebraska and neighboring states.
Wright’s influence extends beyond the classroom through her involvement with community arts organizations and music programs. She serves on the boards of the Kearney Concert Association and Handbell Musicians of America Area 8-Nebraska. She also directs the Platte River Children’s Chorale and several church choir and handbell ensembles in Kearney.
In addition to mentoring new teachers within KPS, Wright has worked closely with UNK students as a cooperating teacher for teacher candidates and a mentor for elementary music methods students. In 2021, she was named Outstanding Educator for KPS.
While attending UNK, Wright participated in numerous musical ensembles, including the Nebraskats, Pride of the Plains Marching Band, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Women’s Chorus, University Chorus and Jazz/Rock Ensemble. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music education in 1999 and later earned a Master of Arts in music education from UNK in 2005.