LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Diane Barton was nominated by her friend, Anne-Marie Bobay.

Ms. Barton is a Fort Wayne native who received her Bachelor’s in music education from Ball State and her Master’s in education from Indiana Wesleyan. She has one sister and cares for her 93-year old mother at home.

Ms. Barton was named as one of the top four educators in 2016 by the Northwest Allen Country Schools. This was based upon nominations from parents, students and staff. Then, a committee evaluates the nominations and chooses the teachers or counselors to be honored.

Some of her proudest professional accomplishments are being named the Sweetwater Sound Teacher of the Year, and the Northwest Allen County Schools Teacher of the Year twice. She has also been awarded the Keegan Award from Arts United of Allen County. Ms. Barton is pleased to mentor new teachers and serve as a leader teacher for student teachers, many of whom are now teaching colleagues. Most of all, she enjoys bringing the joy of music making to her students!

Ms. Barton is also on the Executive Committee of FAME (Foundation for Art and Music in Education) and is a Past President of the organization. The mission of FAME is to foster and perpetuate creativity through multicultural arts education:

“We believe in the value and power of the arts to kindle the imagination, encourage creative thinking and enhance human development.”

FAME’s Vision statement is:

• Empower teachers to nurture artistic creativity;
• Celebrate the artist in every child and develop pathways to explore the arts;
• Understand and appreciate diverse cultures through experiences with indigenous art forms

"I spent my high school years in band, orchestra and choir with Diane," said Bobay. "She was an outstanding musician and leader in all aspects of the music department. Diane has spent her teaching career continuing that passion for music by paying it forward and sharing this important creative learning experience with children in the Fort Wayne community."