Xareny Polanco
Music Ed Alumni, B.M.E. ‘21.

Colorado State University music education alumna, Xareny Polanco, B.M.E. ‘21, has been awarded a 2025 Colorado Music Educators Association Outstanding Young Educator Award.

The Colorado Music Education Association’s (CMEA) mission is to serve members' educational needs and provide growth opportunities to music educators regardless of their experience in the profession. The award recognizes individuals for their contributions to music education in the state.

Polanco serves as the orchestra, choir, and Marachi teacher for Timberline PK-8 School in Longmont, Colorado.

“I feel very grateful and honored to have been selected for this award!” Polanco said.

Polanco credits her undergraduate studies at CSU—which provided her with real-time experience working with students—with helping her understand how to communicate, reach students at different levels, and approach different teaching styles with an open mind.

“I don't know if I would have been as prepared if I had not had those opportunities,” Polanco said.

Polanco, who has been performing since third grade, noted that playing viola and music education were both priorities for her at CSU. She still plays and is a member of the Longmont Symphony.

“Performing in ensembles outside of work has become my way of filling my cup, and I always encourage my students to find their ‘cup-fillers’ regardless if it has to do with music or not,” Polanco said.

Polanco’s applied instructor at CSU, Margaret Miller, said, “Xareny was one of the hardest-working students I've ever had. She persevered through several challenges but maintained her compassion for her peers, and I know she teaches with compassion for her current students.”

The encouragement and high expectations Polanco experienced at CSU were pivotal.

“The connections I made at CSU were important to me, and they also led to meeting others outside of CSU that I still know and work with to this day,” said Polanco.

Associate Professor of Music Education Dr. Erik Johnson also highly praises Polanco.

“From the time that Xareny started in the CSU Music Education program, she exemplified the traits that we hope from all who dedicate their professional lives to the betterment of young people in our society. Humility, curiosity, and an exceptional work ethic defined Xareny's time here at CSU and beyond now into her success with her students.”

Xareny Polanco started teaching at Timberline PK-8 School in Fall 2021.

Polanco believes in the power of 'yet.' She notes there is a desire to learn things quickly, but she finds joy in helping students enjoy the process of learning.

“My favorite moment so far has been showing my first group of sixth grade students, now freshmen in high school, [a video of] the first time they played “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," Polanco said. “It was a special moment for them to put into perspective all of the work they have done over the last few years and imagine and hope for what they can accomplish in the future.”

Xareny's compassion for others and their well-being are sparks that Dr. Johnson witnesses in her interactions. "We are so proud to have had the opportunity to work with her and to see the truly one-of-a-kind music educator that she has become!” said Dr. Erik Johnson.

Polanco will receive the Outstanding Young Educator honor at the annual CMEA conference, which will be held at The Broadmoor Hotel in Jan. 2025.