A Wilton High School music teacher is a semifinalist for a national award - and that's music to the ears of his students.

Frank Gawle is one of 25 semifinalists for the Music Educator Award presented by The Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Foundation. His students praise him for his dedication and enthusiasm, but Gawle says he's humbled by the recognition.

"My first reaction was shock, surprise, then excitement, then fear," says Gawle. "I was humbled, embarrassed, honored, all kind of mixed together."

No matter what the outcome of the award process, Gawle remains dedicated to teaching.

"I don't consider it work," he says. "Teaching is a way of life."