Medway High School Choir Director Ashley Nelson-Oneschuk Inducted into MICCA Hall of Fame

Medway High School Choir Director Ashley Nelson-Oneschuk receives the MICCA Paul Smith Hall of Fame Award during the Festival Preview Concert on Wednesday, March 19. From left to right, MICCA Past President Marie Forte, Ashley Nelson-Oneschuk, MICCA Representative Steven Conant and MICCA President Ryan DeWolfe. (Photo Courtesy Medway Public Schools)

MEDWAY — Medway Public Schools Superintendent Armand Pires and Principal John Murray are proud to announce that Medway High School Choir Director Ashley Nelson-Oneschuk is being inducted into the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Paul Smith Hall of Fame.

Nelson-Oneschuk was presented with the MICCA Paul Smith Hall of Fame Award during the Festival Preview Concert held at Medway High School on Wednesday, March 19. Nelson-Oneschuk will also be presented with the award again at the MICCA Paul Smith Hall induction during the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) In-Service Conference at 2:30 p.m., Friday, March 28, at the DCU Center in Worcester.

This award celebrates Massachusetts music conductors who serve as an inspiration to students, the community, and fellow educators.

The MICCA Paul Smith Hall of Fame recognizes Massachusetts music educators who have made a lasting impact on students, communities, and fellow educators through their dedication and excellence in music education. Inductees must have at least 10 years of conducting experience, demonstrate a variety of conducting experiences across ensembles, actively promote music education at the local and state levels, prioritize professional development, and serve as models of professionalism while supporting MICCA’s mission.

The MICCA Paul Smith Hall of Fame Award is named after the late Paul Smith, former director of bands at Abington High School, who was widely respected for his musicianship, professionalism, and integrity. Nelson-Oneschuk joins a distinguished group of past honorees, including Walter Chesnut, George Parks, Frank Battisti, and Malcolm Rowell.

Nelson-Oneschuk has been a music educator in Massachusetts for over 20 years, currently leading the choir program at Medway High School and serving as the artistic director of the Charles River Chorale, a community ensemble of more than 100 voices. Her career has included positions at Hopkinton Middle School, Norwood High School, and King Philip Regional High School, where her choral groups have consistently achieved high levels of musicianship.

On top of that, Nelson-Oneschuk has played an active role in statewide music education initiatives. She served as Choral Festival Chairperson for MICCA from 2004-2015, cultivating relationships among music educators across Massachusetts. She also held leadership positions with the Massachusetts chapter of the American Choral Directors Association and has managed the MMEA All-State Choirs. Nelson-Oneschuk has served as a guest conductor for honor ensembles, including the 2017 Massachusetts Music Educators Association Central District Senior Festival Choir, and she will conduct the 2026 Rhode Island All-State Junior Treble Choir.

Beyond her work in the classroom, Nelson-Oneschuk is a composer and arranger of choral music, with several of her works listed under Santa Barbara Music Publishing as recommended repertoire for state festivals. Nelson-Oneschuk, who holds a master’s degree in music education from Boston University’s College of Fine Arts, resides in Holliston with her husband Joe, and their daughters, Cadence and Skylar.

Medway Public Schools Superintendent Armand Pires and Principal John Murray each congratulated Nelson-Oneschuk on her induction into the MICCA Paul Smith Hall of Fame and thanked her for all her contributions to music education.

“There isn’t a teacher who is a more deserving recipient of this Hall of Fame honor. Mrs. Nelson-Oneschuk is an exceptional educator who has cultivated a love of singing and music in countless students over the years,” said Principal Murray. “She not only teaches students how to sing, but she also inspires a lifelong appreciation for music. We are so proud to see her honored by this induction into the MICCA Hall of Fame. Bravo!”

“Mrs. Nelson-Oneschuk’s dedication to music education and her impact on young musicians at Medway High School has been profound,” said Superintendent Pires. “She has done such a great job throughout her career as a music teacher and choir director for so many of our students. Mrs. Nelson-Oneschuk’s induction into the MICCA Paul Smith Hall of Fame is a most well-deserved recognition of her professionalism, ability, and commitment to fostering a love of music among our Medway students.”

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