While the five-member staff that directs the band program in Mineola ISD was awarded this months’ Buzz’s Ultimate Effort Award at Monday night’s school board meeting, it was an unexpected award that allowed the band staff to turn the tables on MISD Superintendent Cody Mize.

As band director Jim Best explained, last summer the Texas Music Educators Association established a new award called the Distinguished Administrator Award.

Its purpose is to recognize an administrator whose support for fine arts programs goes above and beyond.

Best said that he and his fellow directors knew immediately they wanted to nominate Mize.

They were successful in having Mize selected as the award winner and surprised him with the announcement Monday.

In introducing the directors, Mize said “I am so thankful for this group of people.”

He said they have built a legacy in 3A marching band.