PRESS RELEASE from Shawsheen Technical High School
Katie McGinness, Librarian at Shawsheen Valley Technical School, has been recognized with the President’s Award by The Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA). Barbara Fecteau, MSLA President, presented the award to McGinness during the association’s annual conference on March 17.
The President’s Award celebrates exceptional school librarians who have demonstrated a remarkable impact on student learning early in their careers. Presented to an MSLA member epitomizing the spirit of a “rising star,” recipients exhibit outstanding commitment to enhancing student learning through excellent school library programs. Their dedication spans various domains including inquiry, inclusion, collaboration, curation, exploration, and engagement.
McGinness was selected for this honor following an evaluation process by the MSLA awards subcommittee, who compared her nomination against the award’s criteria and other nominations. Subsequently, a recommendation was made to the MSLA Executive Board to award Ms. Katie McGinness with the award.
McGinness’s creative initiatives and dedication to modernizing the library’s physical collection have transformed the library at Shawsheen Valley Technical School, distinguishing her as this year’s “rising star.” Notably, her literacy program “Walk a Mile In Someone Else’s Shoes Reading Challenge” has become a cornerstone of inclusivity, inspiring students to explore literature from diverse perspectives. Through this initiative, students have been encouraged to engage with a wide range of narratives, fostering empathy, understanding, and a love for reading. McGinness’s thoughtful curation and inclusive approach to this activity, has garnered widespread community support for the program.
Additionally, in collaboration with Shawsheen’s English department, McGinness pioneered a “Book Tasting” program, offering students a modern and engaging way to discover new genres. This activity empowered students to explore independent reading material tailored to their interests after sampling an array of books.
To further enhance Shawsheen’s library offerings, McGinness introduced the Sora Reading App, which provides students and staff with access to a vast collection of eBooks and audiobooks from multiple libraries. This integration has not only expanded student access to educational resources, but also supports personalized learning experiences.
Furthermore, McGinness’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of students was exemplified through her establishment of the Multilingual/International Library at Shawsheen. By creating a dedicated space and incorporating resources tailored to English Language Learners (ELL), McGinness has provided equitable access to reading material for all students.
Katie McGinness’s receipt of the President’s Award underscores her outstanding contributions to advancing student learning in her role as librarian at Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School. This award emphasizes the essential role of school libraries in fostering academic excellence and cultivating a lifelong passion for reading among students.
About Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical School District
Established in 1965, Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical School District (SVRVTSD) stands as a beacon of educational excellence, serving the communities of Billerica, Bedford, Burlington, Tewksbury, and Wilmington. With over 1,300 students in grades 9-12, Shawsheen offers a dynamic range of over 20 vocational-technical career pathways.
Dedicated to excellence, Shawsheen integrates academics with industry-relevant equipment, athletic facilities, and numerous extracurricular activities. The school’s mission is to provide a positive learning experience in a safe environment that encourages all students to reach their full potential, emphasizes the value of a strong work ethic, and prepares them for adult life in a competitive world.
Beyond traditional academics, Shawsheen extends its educational reach through Adult Education, Afterschool Enrichment Programs, Community-focused Events, and Summer Programs, embracing the belief that education is a lifelong, continuous process leading to a successful and fulfilling life.
