Last night, Spring High School earned a Grammy Enterprise award of $5,500 for its outstanding music program.

At a May 10 ceremony the check for the Grammy Signature Schools Enterprise Award was delivered by the Grammy Foundation, which offers awards to schools that develop strong music programs despite financial limitations. The nonprofit foundation is a charitable arm of The Recording Academy, known for its annual music industry awards.

The ceremony took place at the annual Spring High Pop Show, a showcase for the school’s instrumental and vocal music talent.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the accomplishments of our kids and faculty,” said Spring ISD Superintendent Rodney Watson.

Spring High School is one of eight in the country to receive the annual award.

“We never came into this program thinking we’d win a Grammy,” said Spring High School student and clarinetist Christian Gonzalez.

Head Choral Director David Landgrebe said this year marks the third time the school has applied for the award. The school previously reached the semi-finals. As part of the application process, the school submits recordings of choral, instrumental and jazz performances.

The school will use the $5,500 for entry fees in contests and competitions that are usually student-funded and for workshops for Texas All-State auditions, Landgrebe said.

Houston native Paul Wall, president of the Texas Chapter of The Recording Academy and a rap artist, was among the presenters at the ceremony. He said music and arts programs are essential.

“[Music] is extremely important, and arts programs are the first to go when budgets get cut,” Wall said.