Friends of South Florida Music is proud to announce the nomination of Dr. Joy Galliford, “Dr. Joy,” for the 2019 David Lawrence Jr. Champion for Children Award presented by the Children’s Trust. This annual award is bestowed on an individual for a lifetime of notable achievement and dedication to the children and families of Miami-Dade County.
For over 35 years, Dr. Joy has dedicated her passion and intelligence to childhood music education in Miami-Dade County. Her research-based, award-winning early childhood music programs have unlocked the music potential in thousands of children, and touched the lives of tens of thousands of family members. “Dr. Joy is the perfect candidate for this prestigious award,” as affirmed by Wilfredo Ferrer, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida (2010-17) and Chief of the Federal Litigation Section at the Miami-Dade County Attorney’s Office (2006-10). As he states in his nomination letter, “Joy inspires her students to learn and motivates others around her to appreciate the wonder and importance of having music in our daily lives.”
Through music, Dr. Joy inspires young minds, fosters early development, and promotes children’s overall wellbeing. In Miami-Dade County, her collaborative research has provided historic studies confirming the importance of music during the formative years for children birth through 5 years of age. Among many honors and accolades, Dr. Joy was named the 2010 Florida College Music Educator of the Year, an award that recognized her high standards and accomplishments in the profession of music education.
The impact of Dr. Joy’s educational endeavors goes far beyond music education. She is distinguished from her colleagues for her spirited leadership and involvement in civic and community building. Dr. Joy not only provides music for the children but also needed training for the teachers in how to increase development in all domains. Just step into Frederick Douglass Elementary and witness “Friday therapy with the Doc,” as the teachers say. As Wilfredo Ferrer stated in his letter, “Simply put, Joy is a well-rounded and recognized leader of the South Florida community who not only excels in her profession but also believes in ‘giving back’ and using her talents for the betterment of her community.”
Currently, Dr. Joy serves as our Executive Director as well as the Director of Development for South Florida Music. We at Friends of South Florida Music know that Dr. Joy is a Champion for Children and look forward to celebrating more at the award banquet to be held in June.
The Award
This annual award is bestowed on an individual for a lifetime of notable achievement and dedication to children in Miami-Dade County. These achievements over time should display a depth of commitment to children’s causes that have resulted in lasting impact. By providing recognition to someone who has dedicated considerable time, knowledge, expertise or resources on behalf of children, The Trust hopes to motivate others to work toward improving the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County. Board members and staff of The Trust are not eligible.
For more information, visit the Children’s Trust website.
