Torres was honored by the Board of Education Monday after receiving an honorable mention from the Illinois Music Educators Association (IMEA). His work was selected for the distinction out of approximately 400 compositions submitted by students across Illinois.
“Franco received an honorable mention from the panel of judges… which is absolutely spectacular and a testament to his creativity and his awesome work ethic,” said Band and Choir Director Susan Webb during the board presentation.
Torres submitted his composition last December. Unlike many school projects, the IMEA submission process is voluntary and requires students to put their independent work forward for evaluation by professional judges.
“To have a student here at Plano High School receive such recognition and to be rewarded for putting himself out there and being so creative—I just want to make sure we gave Franco a little bit of extra recognition,” Webb added.