Denton ISD Announces Recipient of 2024-2025 Corky Stuckenbruck Impact Award

Denton ISD announced the recipient of the 2024-2025 Corky Stuckenbruck Impact Award at a special ceremony on Monday morning.

David Rives, who has spent the past 24 years as the Choir Director at Ryan High School,  was selected as this year’s winner of the award, which is given annually to a Denton ISD fine arts educator with 10 years or more in the district. The award is named for the late Corky Stuckenbruck, a local artist and Texas Woman’s University professor, who was known to encourage, understand and inspire her students to gain confidence in their abilities.

The Corky Stuckenbruck Impact Award is funded through the Mark and Barbara Smith Endowment with the Denton Public School Foundation. Each recipient receives an honorarium of $3,000.

“David Rives has served the Ryan High School community for several years as the choir director and has made a positive impact in the lives of a countless number of students,” said Eddy Russell, Director of Fine Arts. “We are very grateful to have Mr. Rives as a teacher and leader in Denton ISD. Mr. Rives exemplifies the spirit of this award and its namesake - Corkey Stuckenbruck.”

Mr. Rives’ teaching philosophy centers around connecting with his students, building positive relationships and encouraging them to be the best version of themselves. He also emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication, and he believes music has a unique ability to enrich lives.

Mr. Rives received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Tarelton State University and his master’s degree in music with a concentration in conducting from Baylor University.

“It is my goal to surround my students with music and to challenge them to be the best version of themselves while always working to achieve and reach their potential,” Mr. Rives said. “Being in a choir makes students work on their interpersonal skills and connections. Teaching them how to function in a group gives them opportunities for growth and maturity that are some of the most important skills they will need once they leave school.”