NASHVILLE (WLS) — There is a big honor for two high school music teachers from the Chicago area.

It was a special night. For the ninth consecutive year, the CMA Foundation honored 30 music educators from around the country for their commitment to excellence in the classroom community. This year, there were three from Illinois, including two from the Chicago area.

They were honored Wednesday night with the CMA Foundation’s Music Teacher of Excellence award.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Justin Antos of Dwight D. Eisenhower High School in Blue Island and Jeremy Bartunek of Greenbrier School in Northbrook were honored.

ABC7 Chicago’ s Ryan Chiaverini covered Wednesday night’s big event in Nashville.

Jon Pardi, one of country music’s biggest stars, performed one of his biggest hits.

He remembers teachers believing in him when he just had a dream.

There were also inspiring speeches and a performance from Chicago’s own Cody Fry.

Each teacher will receive a $5,000 grant to use for personal and classroom needs. Most importantly events like this highlight just how impactful and essential music programs are in schools.

Country Music’s Biggest Night, “The 59th Annual CMA Awards,” airs live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Wednesday, Nov. 19 (8:00 – 11:00 PM/EST) on ABC and the next day on Hulu.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of ABC, Hulu and this ABC station.