Hillsborough County Library Media Specialists enjoyed themselves at a HASLMS sponsored social event at FAME.  Kudos to Social Chair, Josh Newhouse, for organizing delicious nibbles and a cozy space for socializing.  Special thanks also to Tiffany Michaud, HASLMS president & Kevin Tuschl of Bound to Stay Bound books for footing the bill!

Congratulations are also in order for HASLMS members Julie Hiltz and Aimee Kennedy who were inducted into FAME leadership as president and board member, respectively, and Sara Labarbera, Michelle Sanchez & Carol Sivard who were all awarded Florida Power-Library School status.  Way to represent Hillsborough library media & HASLMS!

More than 200 school library media specialists, administrators & district leaders came together at the Embassy Suites by Hilton-Tampa/USF last night to celebrate the important learning & exploration conducted in our media centers & facilitated by our school library media specialists.  HASLMS President, Merle Supple (Davidsen MS) welcomed guests & kicked off the event by introducing Superintendent Jeff Eakins.  Supt. Eakins spoke to the vital instructional role of library media specialists in Hillsborough Schools and about the important relationships library media specialists build in their schools with both students & staff, stating that the media center is the one-stop-shop where people can go for everything they need.  The event culminated with the celebration of all HASLMS Awards nominees and the announcements of the honorees: 
*   Rising Star Media Specialist: Nicole Huff, Brandon High School
*   Library Media Administrator Advocate Award: Jennifer West, Lincoln Elementary IB Magnet
​*   Elementary School Media Specialist of the Year: Susan Tkacik, Pride Elementary School
*   Middle School Media Specialist of the Year: Michelle Sanchez, Wilson Middle School
*   High School Media Specialist of the Year: Carol Sivard, Blake High School 

Kudos to the HASLMS Banquet planning committee for another fantastic event!