# FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE # Ocean Pines, MD (January 26, 2024) - Maryland Association of School Librarians (MASL) is pleased to announce the 44 nominees for the 2024 Maryland School Librarian of the Year award which honors a school librarian for exemplary service and outstanding achievements in the field of school library media. These nominees represent 20 public school districts and one private school. The recipient of the award will be announced in May 2024.
To be considered for this award, nominees met the basic eligibility requirements, including being a current member of MASL, a Certified School Librarian, actively serving as a school librarian in a public, private, or independent school in Maryland that serves any students in grades PreK-12, and serving in the same role/position for three or more years.
The recipient of the 2024 Maryland School Librarian of the Year award will receive a plaque and complimentary registration to MASL’s 2024 Conference provided by MASL. The recipient will also receive a variety of prizes from our sponsors including a Maryland themed basket from Taylor Book Group. Finalists will receive plaques.
Nominees for the 2024 Maryland School Librarian of the Year:
- Ebonee Barkley, Beaver Run Elementary, Wicomico County
- Jennifer Beach, Pocomoke Middle, Worcester County
- Heather Beaton, General Smallwood Middle, Charles County
- Kathryn Berling, Taneytown Elementary, Carroll County
- Michelle Brown, Mt. Hebron High, Howard County
- Caitlin Bunting, Buckingham Elementary, Worcester County
- Patricia Cole, Great Mills High, Saint Mary's County
- Anita Creek Thomas, James Hubert Blake High, Montgomery County
- Deanna Dodge, Somerset Intermediate, Somerset County
- Casey Grenier, Beach Elementary, Calvert County
- Lisa Hack, Silver Spring International Middle, Montgomery County
- Brenda Hager, Leonardtown High, Saint Mary's County
- Stacey Hazuda, Hollywood Elementary, Saint Mary's County
- Meredith Hickman, Seven Locks Elementary, Montgomery County
- Raye Ellen Horner, Easton Elementary, Talbot County
- Anne Jones, Windy Hill Middle, Calvert County
- Melissa King, Flower Hill Elementary, Montgomery County
- Travis Knox, Seventh District ES, Baltimore County
- Lisa Long, Butterfly Ridge Elementary, Frederick County
- Danielle Lowe, Kent Island Elementary, Queen Anne's County
- Katherine Lyons, Moravia Park Elementary, Baltimore City
- Sheri Massey, Cabin John Middle, Montgomery County
- Kate McCabe, Showell elementary, Worcester County
- Teri Nielsen, Waugh Chapel, Anne Arundel County
- Maureen O'Neill, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City
- Amanda O'Neill, Chopticon High School, Saint Mary's County
- Laurie Owings, Manchester Valley High, Carroll County
- Tracy Papinchock, Patterson Mill High, Harford County
- Stacey Phillips, Fort Smallwood Elementary, Anne Arundel County
- Melaney Sanchez, Mount Harmony Elementary, Calvert County
- Jacqueline Schoen, Hillcrest Elementary, Baltimore County
- Danielle Schwessinger, Elmer A. Wolfe Elementary, Carroll County
- Brittainy Simmons, Federalsburg Elementary, Caroline County
- Tim Swann, Northeast High, Anne Arundel County
- Meredith Thompson, Hurlock Elementary, Dorchester County
- Shane Walker, Laurel Elementary, Prince George's County
- Lindsey Weaver, West Frederick Middle, Frederick County
- Mark Welch, Gilman School, AIMS
- Lynn Wilcox, Williamsport Elementary, Washington County
- Beau Brooks Williams, Snow Hill Middle, Worcester County
- Amy Young-Buckler, Meade Heights Elementary, Anne Arundel County
- Rachael Younkers, Huntingtown High, Calvert County
- Christina Zimmerman, Monarch Global Academy, Anne Arundel County
The list of nominees is available on the Maryland Association of School Librarians website. Visit https://masl.memberclicks.net/md-school-librarian-of-the-year-award or contact the Awards Committee at [email protected] for more information.
The primary purpose of MASL is to support and advocate for school librarians and libraries in Maryland. MASL focuses on advancing the role of school librarians in education, promoting literacy, fostering collaboration among library professionals, and staying informed about developments in the field. Additionally, MASL works towards enhancing the quality of library programs, advocating for resources, and providing professional development opportunities for members. MASL encourages the implementation of state and national standards and guidelines for school library media programs.
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