ROBESON COUNTY — The Public Schools of Robeson County proudly congratulates music educator Ms. Emma Rainoff on being selected as the recipient of the 2026 Maxine Swalin Award for Outstanding Music Educator, one of the highest honors presented annually by the North Carolina Symphony.
Rainoff, who serves as an orchestra educator at Lumberton Junior and Lumberton Senior High schools, was honored with the recognition during an end of year meeting with fellow arts educators. NC Symphony representatives including Jason Spencer, Assistant Vice President of Education & Community Engagement, presented her with the prestigious recognition.
Named in honor of Maxine Swalin, whose fundraising efforts established the Symphony’s education concert series more than 80 years ago, the award recognizes exceptional music educators who inspire students through excellence in music instruction and advocacy for arts education.
As part of the recognition, Ms. Rainoff will receive a $1,000 monetary award, a visit from a North Carolina Symphony musician or ensemble during the upcoming school year, public recognition at a future North Carolina Symphony concert, and complimentary registration to the 2026 North Carolina Music Educators Association (NCMEA) Conference.
Rainoff beamed with joy as she accepted the award. She reflected on the excitement the opportunity will bring for her students and shared words of gratitude to NC Symphony officials present.
“The entire time I have worked here I have felt like one of the best things I can do for my kids is to get them to see as much of the world as I can,” Rainoff said.
“This opportunity allows my students to see professionals doing what they dream of doing. They get to see ‘oh this is a real thing that I can do,’” she said.
The Maxine Swalin Award for Outstanding Music Educator is the highest recognition presented each year by the North Carolina Symphony’s Music Educators Program and celebrates an educator whose commitment extends beyond the classroom to create meaningful musical experiences for students and their communities.
“Ms. Rainoff’s passion for music education and dedication to her students make her truly deserving of this distinguished recognition,” said PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson. “She has enriched the lives of countless young musicians and helped cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the arts. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishment,” he said.
Rainoff was nominated for the award by LJHS Principal Dr. Jamane Watson and PSRC Arts Supervisor Steven Taylor.
“Ms. Rainoff is a cornerstone of the Lumberton Junior High School music program. Beyond her exceptional teaching, she inspires a love of music in every student she encounters and fosters a sense of community, collaboration, and pride within the orchestra. She consistently goes above and beyond organizing extra rehearsals, mentoring students outside of class, and coordinating performances that connect the school to the broader community,” Dr. Watson said.
“Ms. Rainoff transforms lives through music, instilling confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Her impact extends far beyond the classroom, making her not only an outstanding educator but also a valued leader and role model for students, colleagues, and the community,” he said.
Ms. Rainoff’s selection reflects not only her outstanding teaching but also the continued excellence of music education programs across the Public Schools of Robeson County.
“Ms. Rainoff exemplifies the very best of music education,” said PSRC Arts Supervisor Steven Taylor.
“She creates an environment where students are challenged to grow, inspired to perform at their highest level, and encouraged to develop a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Her dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence make her exceptionally deserving of the Maxine Swalin Award for Outstanding Music Educator,” he added.