Over 28 million viewers tune in every year to watch the Grammy ceremony as it presents musical superstars with what is considered the most prestigious awards in the industry. Next year, on Feb. 8, it may provide an opportunity to honor the man behind Diamond Bar’s Grammy-winning music program itself: Steve Acciani.

For the second year in a row, Acciani has been nominated for the Music Educator Award. The Recording Academy and The Grammy Foundation are looking to distinguish a music educator, who has “made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate[s] a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools.”

Although over 7,000 nominations were submitted from across the nation, only 25 semifinalists, including Acciani, were selected.

The semifinalists will have the chance to earn $6,000 for their music department through the Ford Drive 4 UR School program. With the help of a local dealership, the program allows school groups and clubs to hold a one-day Ford-sponsored test drive event for the community. For every completed test drive, Ford will donate $20 to the school and will allow students to earn up to $6,000.

“I feel very honored to be considered for this award, but it really is a reflection of the vision that our school staff has, combined with a strong connection we have developed with local universities and professional musicians all working towards providing opportunities that our amazing students deserve,” Acciani said.

The top ten finalists will be announced in December and the winner will be announced during Grammy week next year. The winner will be flown to Los Angeles to accept the award and will receive a $10,000 honorarium.

The music program, directed by Acciani, was also recognized by The Recording Academy and The Grammy Foundation last year. Out of 123 semi-finalists last year, DBHS’s music department was given honorable mention and was awarded $6,000.

“Winning the national award has established a new standard for what we’re going to be and now we have kids coming in who are really excited to be involved with the arts,” Acciani said in Grammy in the Schools.