Library Services / HASL Awards

HASL Mission Statement:

The Houston Association of School Librarians (HASL) promotes professional growth among HISD librarians through the exchange of ideas. Since 1971, HASL has advocated on behalf of HISD libraries and recognized outstanding librarians in the district by honoring the HISD Librarian of the Year. HASL strives to make school libraries places of learning and personal enrichment for students through training, volunteering, advocating, and supporting librarians all over the district.

HASL/HISD Librarian of the Year and Related Awards

Librarian of the Year Award

Elenora Alexander Scholarship

Librarian of the Year

Criteria for nomination

2024	Wendy Breland - Crocket ES
2023	Kaitlyn Carpenter - Bellaire HS
2022	Heather Swanner - Stevenson MS
2021	Brooke Corso - Pin Oak MS
2020	Celeste Cooper - Meyerland PVA
2019	Mary Chance - Hogg MS
2018	Lynn Pharr - Neff ES
2017	Karen Kratoville - JP Henderson ES
2016	Cynthia Ramos - East Early College HS
2015	Stephanie Hatley - TH Rogers MS
2014	Rowena Verdin - Milby HS
2013	Melina Flores - Herrera ES
2012	Jo Ann Reed - Scroggins ES
2011	Angela Kirkendoll - MLK Early Childhood
2010	Julie Campbell - Oak Forest ES
2009	Willie Mae Wilson - Bastian ES
2008	Elizabeth Eastman - River Oaks ES
2007	Melinda Zeagler - Bush ES
2006	Christina Oliva-Aguirre - Wainwright ES
2005	Lana Hayes - DeBakey HS
2004	Janice Newsum - Yates HS
2003	Karen Nohls - Poe ES
2002	Cheryl Hensley - MacGregor ES
2001	Carole Fitzgerald
2000	Carl Birk - Tijerina ES
1999	Rosie Morales-Ortiz - Northside HS
1998	Susan Shafer - Parker ES
1997	Marsha Whitmore - Herrera ES
1996	Diem Volz - Heights HS
1995	Amy Hernandez - Scarborough HS
1994	Bettie Agnew - Barbara Jordan HS
1993	Aline Baldwin - Gordon ES
1992	Jane Robertson - Whittier ES
1991	Irma Boccard - Kennedy ES
1990	Shirley Semler - Scarborough HS
1989	Ed Miller - Yates HS
1988	Debbie Hall - Black MS
1987	Vernell Primes - Jones Futures Academy
1986	Carol Wallingford -

Criteria for Nomination for Librarian of the Year

The criteria for nominations are:

1. An HISD principal, administrator, teacher, or librarian must nominate candidates.

2. Each person may nominate only one person, and must sign the nomination form.

3. Each nomination must be submitted on the correct form.

4. Librarians previously nominated who did not receive the title are eligible to be nominated again.

5. Librarians must be certified and have completed at least three years as a certified librarian in an HISD school.

6. Personnel in the Department of Library Services may neither nominate nor be nominated for this award.

Elenora Alexander Scholarship

The Houston Association of School Librarians provides grants from the Elenora Alexander Scholarship Fund to encourage certified librarians to attend the annual TLA conference, professional conferences and workshops. Librarians may also use this scholarship to pursue college credit in academic work related to the field of librarianship.

Currently this scholarship fund is managed by retired librarian Debbie Hall. The funds from this scholarship were donated by the first HISD director of Library Services, Elenora Alexander.

Rules for participation in the Elenora Alexander Scholarship

A committee of librarians who are members of the Houston Association of School Librarians administers the Elenora Alexander Scholarship. The original funds for the scholarship came from a donation by Ms. Alexander, the first head of the Library Services Department and one of the first librarians in HISD. The purpose of the scholarship is to promote professional growth and education. Selection is made by a random drawing of submitted applications.

Applicant Criteria:

Applicant must be a current or retired Houston ISD librarian.
Application must be submitted by the established deadline.
Applicant must be a current member of the Houston Association of School Librarians.
Winners must submit documentation of their expenses in a timely manner. The following types of expenses may be submitted: registration fees, hotel expenses, transportation costs, or textbook fees.
Librarians who receive scholarship funds must wait three years before applying again.
Two $250 scholarships will be given each year.