KASL Awards and Recognitions
http://www.ksschoollibrarians.org/
Video Contest Winner Announced
Congratulations to Hannah Kaiser, Madison Hooper, Camdyn Hooper and their librarian, Mrs. Mahaffey, from Lincoln Central Elementary in Cherryvale! Their video, "Crazy Socks," is the winner of the KASL School Library Month Video Contest. View the video by clicking the link below!
Video Contest Honorable Mention
Thanks to the student performance and testimonials by Jenny Thivongsa and Kylie Branscum with the Electric Blue Danceline recognizing Librarian Tabitha Hogan
Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award acknowledges state legislators, school administrators, or community leaders who have made a distinguished contribution to school library media services.
Distinguised Service Award Winner Sandy Almos
The environment at Edith Scheuerman Elementary in Garden City has been described as a "warm, friendly, energetic place to work." Principal Sandy Almos was announced the Distinguished Service Award recipient, since she is one of the major sources of positivity, along with being a major supporter of her school library. This administrator has been instrumental in securing grants and funding for the library allowing literacy activities to continue. Principal Almos promotes the library and reading on a daily basis.
KASL Vision Award
The KASL Vision Award is given to individuals in or out of the profession who have contributed to the vision of Kansas school library media centers. This year two recipients will be recognized for their contributions.
Vision Award Winner George Blume
Not only does George Blume serve Coronodo and West Middle Schools, he has dedicated countless hours in service to KASL. Many cannot remember attending a meeting that Blume was not orchestrating the vendors. Known for being active before, during, and after the state conferences, Blume diligently works on providing the best variety of vendors. Not only has George been an integral part of various KASL committees, he has also served as a KAECT liaison. Enhanced by his great sense of humor, his efforts result in amazing conferences that promote learning, professional development, and positive connections.
Vision Award Recipient Mirah Dow
Dr. Mirah Dow, Professor, Emporia State University, School of Library and Information Management, has long been a supporter of school libraries and a force for change in schools. She provides leadership in planning and hosting the annual Kansas Summer Institute for School Librarians. Dow’s research in library and information science, done independently and in collaboration with Kansas school library leaders, draws on information seeking and human information behavior theory particularly as it relates to information literacy and teaching and learning. Her vision for partnerships between school librarians and teachers resonates in her recent article “Creating a STEM-literate Society” published in Knowledge Quest (May/June, 2014) wherein Dow explains that “capacities for imagination can be realized in formal, natural, and social sciences when mindfulness about being imaginative is developed.” Dow is an active member of the American Association of School Librarians and the Kansas Association of School Librarians. She served as a member and chair of the AASL legislation committee (2009-11) leading development of comments for U. S. legislation about the importance of state-licensed school librarians and fully funded school libraries. She is an active member of the Kansas Association of School Librarians serving on the education contact committee. Dow’s local, regional, and national involvement in education includes her research-based knowledge and clear vision of how and why school libraries matter.
KASL/AASL Fall Forum National Conference Grant
The Fall Forum Grant is made possible by the Kansas Association of School Librarians. It enables a school library media specialist to attend the biennial American Association of School Librarians with the Immediate Past-President and will provide up to $1,000 toward expenses. Robin Schrak is this year's recipient.
Robin Schrack, Gardner Edgerton High School
Robin Schrack acknowledges that the role of the school librarian continues to evolve, and she has a desire to expand her knowledge base on the ever changing learning landscape. By attending the 2014 AASL Fall Forum, Robin will have the opportunity to learn about new tools and resources that will allow her to support both her students and staff. Robin's continued desire to promote literacy is infectious, since her administration and faculty appreciate her commitment to professional development.
President's Distinguished Library Media Specialist Award
The President's Distinguished Library Media Specialist Award is designed to honor an outstanding library media specialist. The recipient of this award has demonstrated achievements in the following areas: currently serving as a library media specialist in Kansas for ten or more years and have developed an outstanding library media program and providing service to American Library Association, American Association of School Librarians, Kansas Association of School Librarians, or similarly related professional organizations.
Barbra Bahm, Tonganoxie Elementary and Middle School
Barbara Bahm has been a school media specialist since 1987, has worked at all levels, and currently serves elementary and middle schools. Bahm has been a part of several large projects: Read across America, lunch book clubs, teaching integrated lessons to support classroom curriculum, Battle of the Books, as well as opening the library during the summer and devoting her time to promote student literacy success.
Fall Founders Scholarship
The Fall Founders Scholarship is awarded to a professional pursuing a Master's Degree or certification in library education.
Elizabeth Burke, Salina South High School
Elizabeth Burke, a social studies instructor, has always considered herself a lifelong learner. With this scholarship, Burke intends to continue her learning by pursuing a media library specialist endorsement through Fort Hays University. Libraries have always been apart of Burke's life, and she has gained an appreciation for all that media library specialists can accomplish. Burke hopes to join the field and contribute to students' lifelong learning habits.
Ruth Garver Gagliardo Scholarship
This $500 scholarship is intended to improve the preparation of Kansas school librarians. The scholarship is presented in the summer session to earn graduate level credit hours in an approved Kansas college or university.
Tracey McGann, Mission Valley High School
Tracey McGann is currently working as a science teacher at Mission Valley High School. McGann also volunteers in her school library and in turn, has witnessed the many jobs that a librarian completes. She is beginning the master's program in Library and Information Science with a concentration in school library media at Emporia State University.