A unique collaboration between a Smyrna Primary School teacher and students recently earned national recognition while providing students with a memorable, real-world learning experience.
Robert Abernathy, a physical education teacher at Smyrna Primary School and longtime country recording artist and songwriter, brought together his passions for education and music through his original song, "When We Love One Another." The song was written to promote kindness, grace, understanding and finding common ground in schools, communities and beyond.
Wanting students to be part of the message, Abernathy partnered with then-music teacher Heather Blackburn to give Smyrna Primary students the opportunity to participate in an authentic recording session. Students recorded vocals that were incorporated into the final track, allowing their voices to become part of the professionally produced song.
Students also appeared in the official music video for "When We Love One Another," giving them firsthand experience with both the recording and video production processes.
The project was recently honored when the music video received the Social Impact Music Video of the Year award at the 2026 Josie Music Awards, held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. The recognition highlights not only Abernathy's work as a songwriter, but also the meaningful contributions of the Smyrna Primary students who helped bring the project to life.
In addition, the song has been submitted for consideration for the Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change Award, a Recording Academy Special Merit Award associated with the Grammy Awards. The honor recognizes music that encourages positive social impact and reflects the values at the heart of the project.
For Abernathy, the experience provided an opportunity to introduce students to the creative process behind professional music production while sharing an uplifting message. Through their participation, students gained a unique hands-on learning experience and helped share a reminder that kindness, compassion, forgiveness and understanding can bring people together.
To watch the music video and listen to "When We Love One Another," visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_Fkk0oHzik