Debra Reilly may just be living her dream come true. Last Friday morning, the Parkland middle school orchestra and strings director learned she is just one step away from being a Grammy winner.

Reilly has been named one of 10 finalists for the 2015 Music Educator of the Year.

A music teacher since 1981, Reilly is an accomplished musician who believes "music is the universal language."

She says there is a lot more to music than what we hear.

"Music teaches discipline," she said. "Not everyone who studies music will be a professional or a teacher, but they hopefully will become as passionate as I am."

This is the second time Reilly has been nominated for the award, which is only in its second year.

She was first notified she had been chosen from more than 7,000 submissions earlier this year.

The list of 25 semifinalists was announced in September.

As a finalist, Reilly and her school will each receive $1,000.

The winner will be honored at the Feb. 8, 2015, Grammy Awards and will receive $10,000.