CV's 1978 Homecoming Queen!                                                                              

For Linda Tough, a proud 1979 graduate of Conestoga Valley, music has always been more than a subject—it’s been a lifelong calling, a career, and a way to build community.

After earning her BA in Music Education and Piano Performance at Eastern Mennonite University, Linda devoted 35 years to teaching general music for grades K–6 at Smoketown Elementary. Aside from teaching, she directed choruses and founded the school’s TV studio with a grant from the Conestoga Valley Education Foundation in 2002. Linda and her elementary students produced a daily morning show broadcast to every classroom. Beyond the music classroom and TV Studio, she served on numerous committees ranging from positive behavior initiatives to staff hiring and even stepped in as Teacher in Charge when the principal was out. Reflecting on her career, she describes Smoketown as “a great place” and recalls with joy the concerts, assemblies, musicals, and talent shows she organized for students and families.

Her dedication to education was recognized with the Conestoga Valley Outstanding Educator Award, a testament to the passion and excellence she brought to her profession. Even in retirement, Linda continues to serve her community as a volunteer with the CVEF Golf Committee and as Minister of Music at Samuel United Methodist Church. 

Recently, she joined a special former student Jonathan Groff on the podcast  Art Educators Save the World to reminisce about days in music class at Smoketown and to discuss the importance of music education.  For a heartwarming trip down memory lane to your elementary music class and all the joy it held, give it a listen!

Linda runs registration for the CVEF golf tournament!

Linda’s love of music began during her own school days. She credits Mrs. Lilley, her Leola Elementary music teacher, with inspiring her passion, and Mr. Gerald Wingenroth, her high school teacher, with encouraging her to be the best musician she could be and to pursue music education as a career. As a student, she was deeply involved—student council, National Honor Society, chorus accompanist, orchestra violinist, band saxophonist, jazz keyboardist, and drum major her senior year—experiences that helped shape her future path.

Linda plays a piano duet with former student Laura Wissler at a community concert celebrating the return of CV's Steinway piano, restored with a grant from CVEF

Today, Linda is a wedding officiant with Sealed With a Kiss:  Sealed With a Kiss Website.  Outside of her professional life, Linda enjoys playing piano, reading, going to the gym, walking her dogs, and spending time with her family. She especially treasures her role as “Mimi” to her three grandchildren, who are simply “the best,” and says she feels blessed with an amazing husband, children, grandchildren, and friends.  Her husband and children also graduated from CV!  Whether she is working hard or spending time with those she loves, she loves to surround herself with people who like to laugh and have fun.  

Linda’s journey reflects the lasting influence of inspiring teachers, the power of music education, and the meaningful impact one dedicated educator can have on generations of students.

Do you have a memory as a friend, student, or colleague of Linda?  Share in the comments below!