Lake art teacher named finalist for regional educator award

Robyn Peterson of the Lake Local School District has been named a finalist for the 2026 Art and Music Educator of the Year Awards presented by the Canton Symphony Orchestra, Massillon Museum and Canton Museum of Art.

The awards, sponsored by Michael and Judi Krew, recognize outstanding educators in the arts and music. Winners will be announced during intermission at the Canton Symphony Orchestra’s MasterWorks VI: Brahms’ A German Requiem concert at 7:30 p.m. March 28 at Umstattd Hall in the Zimmerman Symphony Center, 2331 17th St. NW in Canton.

Peterson, an art teacher at Lake Primary School, is one of three finalists honored this year. Two educators from North Canton City Schools also were recognized: choral director Douglas Beery and art teacher Jessica Wiley.

Peterson said her interest in art began early in life.

“I was blessed to have parents who nurtured my creativity and connected me with ways to grow,” she said. “In high school I was largely influenced by an art teacher I had who made his classroom inviting and as though everyone belonged.”

Peterson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in visual art education from Malone University and later completed her master’s degree at Walden University.

During her teaching career, she has worked with students from kindergarten through high school in both rural and inner-city settings. She said those experiences have shaped her growth as an educator.

Recently, after 15 years as a middle school art teacher, Peterson moved into a new role at Lake Primary School, where she now teaches kindergarten and first grade students.

“I am part of a building that is passionate about the work we do for the young students that we serve,” she said. “The leadership and teamwork day in and day out is truly inspiring. I love this position and love exploring the world of arts with little minds and nurturing their creativity.”

Outside the classroom, Peterson continues to create her own artwork, which is displayed at Art from the Hart Studio in downtown Hartville.

Also recognized among the finalists is Jessica Wiley, who teaches kindergarten through second grade visual arts at North Canton Primary School. Wiley has taught in the district since 2011 and is known for encouraging creativity and confidence in her students while helping coordinate the annual “Art From the Classroom” exhibit at the Little Art Gallery.

Douglas Beery, director of choral activities at North Canton Hoover High School, was named the local music educator finalist. Beery has more than 25 years of teaching experience and currently leads Hoover’s choral program while also serving as conductor of the Canton Symphony Orchestra Chorus.

All three educators will be honored during the March 28 concert when the final award recipients are announced.