When he first learned that he would be presented with the award, Aloe said he was "speechless."
Aloe is the managing director at Lincoln Park Performing Arts School, Beaver County Hall of Fame inductee, and the former longtime Ambridge band director.
He was joined by his family at the presentation, which took place at Harmony Ridge in Harmony Township.
This is the inaugural year for ZanaFest's achievement award, which is given to someone who has impacted music and music education in the area.
Aloe, the first recipient, and the festival's namesake, the late Richard Zana, organized the popular and well-traveled Ambridge Area Steel Drum Band. The band's current director, Todd Hartman, presented Aloe with the outstanding achievement award.
State Reps. Rob Matzie and Jim Marshall were also on hand to present a prepared citation from the State of Pennsylvania along with the ZanaFest award.
ZanaFest is a four-day music festival and celebration of the life and career of one of Beaver County’s most influential educators, Richard D. Zana. It is organized by an appreciative volunteer group of former students and col-leagues.
The mission of ZanaFest is to support the Richard D. Zana Memorial Fund, of the Beaver County Foundation, a 501(C) (3) Community Foundation. The purpose of the fund is to provide music scholarships for talented area students and to benefit cancer organizations.
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