PEABODY— Peabody’s Renee Leavitt was named the inaugural New England Music Hall of Fame Artist of the Year earlier this month.

Leavitt, a 26-year-old singer and songwriter, holds a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees, and is currently pursuing a fourth degree. She works as a religion teacher and choir director at a middle school in Arlington. Leavitt has also been a cantor at her Catholic church since she was 14 years old.

“My whole life is music,” Leavitt said.

She has been performing with the band Renee and the Renegades since 2018 and has more than 30 songs on Apple Music and Spotify, all of which are written and performed by her.

Leavitt said she is “beyond honored” to receive the inaugural New England Music Hall of Fame Artist of the Year award.

“To be the first person that has been nominated for that and will receive that is absolutely breathtaking for me,” she said. “It is a testament to my career… I think that this is one of those stepping stones that I needed.”

Being an artist from New England, to her, is about where she comes from.

“No matter what, I’m always going to have these roots,” Leavitt said.

“The community is so welcoming,” especially when performing locally, she said. “It’s always just so welcoming to be involved in and playing around the Peabody area.”

Leavitt said she hopes this recognition helps boost her career. “I want to see people start to know my music, know who I am.”

She advises young singers and songwriters to “put yourself out there” and “put your best foot forward at all times” to further their careers.

Leavitt will be performing at the One Main Restaurant and Lounge in Peabody on Nov. 21.