Announcing PSLA’s 2019 Award Winners!
The PSLA Awards Committee is thrilled to announce the winners of our 2019 slate of awards! We hope you will join us in celebrating their contributions at the Awards Breakfast on Friday, March 29that PSLA’s Annual Conference. Deepest congratulations to all of this year’s honorees!
Outstanding Pennsylvania Author – Jewell Parker Rhodes
Born in the Pittsburgh area and an alum of Carnegie-Mellon University, Jewell Parker Rhodes has strong ties to Pennsylvania and has authored a compelling body of work for young readers. Her books, including Ninth Ward, Sugar, Bayou Magic, Towers Falling, and Ghost Boys, have received numerous awards and recognitions, and challenge readers to contemplate and grapple with issues related to current and historical events, identity and adolescence, social justice, resilience, family, and more. She is a powerful storyteller and an important voice in literature for children and young adults, and we are thrilled to recognize her as our 2019 Outstanding Pennsylvania Author!
PA School Library Innovator – Jane Farrell, Dallastown Area Intermediate School
Jane is truly an innovator in the area of Teaching and Learning in the school library! Implementing a unique rotational model to accommodate scheduling needs, Jane has partnered with her building technology teacher to offer students access to an Innovation Station, a hands-on makerspace, as well as the iLibrary, a technology station for students to practice using technology tools, skills, and resources. Her instructional approach demonstrates successful integration of technology and information skills, a maker mindset, and digital citizenship. Jane will also be co-hosting a workshop during Session C of PSLA’s annual conference. Congratulations, Jane!
“Me? A School Librarian?” Contest – Samantha Solenday, North Allegheny Senior High School
According to Samantha, “school librarians are critical members in educational settings, as they know how to gather and use the information around them.” She also notes that the resources available through her school library, including her librarian, Laura Wienand, are its most valuable asset. We look forward to welcoming Samantha to this year’s conference so that she can learn more about the profession of school librarianship as she makes plans for a bright future!
