At the opening ceremony of the 59th NATS National Conference in San Antonio, Judith B. Boyter of the Greater Houston Chapter and Cynthia Linton of the Mississippi Chapter were recognized as 2026 NATS For a Lifetime honorees.

 

Introduced in 2017, NATS For a Lifetime recognizes members who have dedicated at least 25 years of active service to their local chapters and districts. Since its inception, it has become customary to recognize two honorees at each biennial national conference, celebrating members whose contributions to singing and voice teaching have strengthened NATS through leadership, mentorship, and volunteer service.

 

This year's honorees received a warm reception from conference attendees during what may have been one of the most artistically vibrant, diverse, and engaging opening ceremonies in NATS conference history. Their recognition provided an opportunity to celebrate educators whose decades of commitment have enriched their chapters, supported colleagues, and shaped generations of students.