2009 SaskEnergy Willow Awards Gala
March 25, 2009
Lumsden Elementary School (LES) students warmly greeted guests who were stamping the snow off their boots at the school entrance. Was this an author? The Lieutenant Governor? Excitement buzzed through the school. Who were the winning Willow Authors?
At 1:15 the Masters of Ceremony, Morgan Meyer and Mariel Kleer, announced the Entrance of Dignitaries. The crowd hushed as His Honour, The Honourable Dr. Gordon L. Barnhart, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan with his Aide-de-Camp filed in followed by Mr. Verne Barber, Mayor of Lumsden, and other dignitaries.
Mrs. Connie Fritzler, Principal of LES, welcomed students and guests. Then His Honour, Dr. Gordon Barnhart spoke. He revealed that as a boy, he had difficulty learning to read, but with the assistance of his mother and a dedicated teacher who introduced him to the Hardy Boy books, he persisted. He assured students who had difficulty reading that sucess is possible; there are ways of coping with disabilities. Dr Barnhart also discussed books as the "greatest technology" - they're portable, and require no batteries or cords!
There was a surprise guest among those bringing greetings. After Mr. Verne Barber, Mayor of Lumsden, Mrs. Janet Kotylak, chair of Prairie Valley School Division (PVSD) Board of Education and Mrs. Maureen Erlendson, PVSD Curriculum Coordinator, Gainer the Gopher, mascot of the PVSD's Take Time to Read Program appeared to the delight of students. Gainer led students in a “Go Readers Go” chant and later participated as the envelope bearer and cheer leader. Mrs. Florence Barton, President of Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice – The Willow Awards (SYRCA) concluded the greetings.
A video of Grades K-3 students telling which book they voted for and why followed by a Shining Willow Chant introduced the presentation of the Shining Willow Award. The winner of the Shining Willow Award for 2009 is Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt. A message from Ms Watt was read:
Thank you for this cool award, Scaredy and I would have loved to attend but it wasn't possible. It's really exciting to receive an award voted by kids themselves.
I'm thrilled to know that Scaredy Squirrel has captured your imagination and hopefully given you a few laughs.
Thanks to all the volunteers and kids for your awesome support.
Thanks again,
Melanie
Grades 4/5/6 students presented book tableaux to introduce each of the nominated Diamond Willow Books. The pictures below depict the landing on Treasure Islsnd from the Uncle Duncle Chronicles and the bubble bath scene from Very Serious Children.
The Diamond Willow Winner for 2009 is Caroline Adderson for Very Serious Children. As she accepted her award, Caroline Adderson thanked her voters and commented that as the novel is set in Saskatchewan she is especially pleased
Book trailers by the Grades 7/8 students introduced the Snow Willow Nominees. Schooled by Gordon Korman is the 2009 Snow Willow Award winner. Gordon Korman had a previous commitment, but sent students a message for the occasion:
Thanks so much for this terrific news. There are many awards out there, but the ones that are voted on by readers themselves are always extra special. I'm so thrilled that the readers of Saskatchewan chose SCHOOLED.
...I wish I could come to Lumsden to accept the award in person, but, sadly, I have another engagement that entire week - one that has been booked for more than a year. I'll be there in spirit, though - and in virtual tie-dye, with corn-husk sandals - while I do my Chicago-area vists on the 25th.
In the spirit of Capricorn Anderson, I wish I could individually thank by name every boy and girl in Saskatchewan who voted for me, but I guess that'sjust not possible. all I can do is say how thrilled I am, how honored, how flattered and how grateful I am to accept the 2008 Willow Award for SCHOOLED.
Peace!
Gordon Korman
Ms Leslie Gosselin of SaskEnergy, sponsor of the Willow Awards Gala since its beginning, presented a gift certificate for the traditional willow tree for the school yard to members of the school's environmental club.
Donna Koch, SYRCA Director, presented a basket of next year's Willow Awards Books and a plaque to student to thank the school for hosting the 2009 SaskEnergy Willow Awards Gala.
The celebration concluded with musical encouragement by the Choir to “Read a Good Book”.