Eric Wilkinson, a University of South Carolina School of Music graduate, has received a National Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation. The award recognizes "exceptional elementary and secondary school teachers, principals and specialists who are furthering excellence in our nation's schools."

Wilkinson, who received a master's degree in choral conducting in 2001, conducts the concert, chamber, show, and freshman choirs at Sumter High School. He studies abroad and throughout the nation to enhance his teaching methods. His musical ensembles consistently earn superior ratings at state choral festivals and his students annual earn placement in the All-State Choir and Governor's School of the Performing Arts. Performance venues include Carnegie Hall and the United Nations in New York, as well as the national Cathedral and Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. Wilkinson received a master's degree in choral conducting from the University in 2001. He also has a bachelor's degree in piano from the University of New Hampshire.

The National Educator Awards for 2007 went to 18 recipients representing 11 states. Two of the awards were given to South Carolina teachers.

In addition to the award, each winner receives $25,000 and a trip to Los Angeles to personally accept the award.

To learn more about criteria for selection of teachers for the Milken Family Foundation award, go to www.mff.org.

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