2005 Willow Awards Launch
A special "Willow Awards" poster welcomes visitors to the library
The foyer of Kennedy Langbank School was abuzz on October 19, 2005. Students preparing for "The Launch" dashed back and forth, checking last minute details with teachers who stood anchored like trees responding to requests for directions. Soon students and guests were in the gym opening the celebrations with "O Canada". Principal Alvin Will welcomed all.
Dr. Margaret Lipp, Saskatchewan's new Literacy Commissioner, reminded the audience of the importance initiatives like The Willow Awards for promoting literacy and commended the volunteers and sponsors who make The Willow Awards possible.
Angela Lees brought greetings from Sask. Culture and Saskatchewan Lotteries, major sponsors of The Willow Awards.
Leona Cote, Assistant Director of Aspen Grove School Division, spoke of the wonders awaiting those who read.
Elmer Molnar, representing the village of Kennedy reminded students that reading is essential in a knowledge economy.
Students entertained with "Read A Book" by Len Gadica, "Mississauga Rattlesnakes" by Dennis Lee, and a poem from Robert Heidbreder author of Drumheller Dinosaur Dance. The choir sang and had the audience swaying like a willow.
Students paraded the nominated books through the gym as the masters of ceremonies, Tyler Smith and Casey Berglund, read summaries and letters that the authors had written in reply to students' letters.
Willow Awards' President, Claire Isaac, presented Jill Dorrance, the school's library associate, with a set of the nominated books and a plaque recognizing the school as the host of the 4th annual Willow Awards' Launch.
During the reception following the ceremony, guests admired the Willow Awards' Quilt crafted by the library associates of the Aspen Grove School Division and the student artwork on the school doors. Each of the 30 school doors represented one book.
Pictures from the 2005 Launch
Students read and talk about their favourite 2005 nominated books. There are lots of great books so get reading!
Willow Awards' Member, Pam Foy, Willow Awards' President, Claire Isaac, with students at the Launch.
The doors in the school were decorated with posters of 2005 nominated books. Here is a collage of some of the book posters.
Library Associates of the Aspen Grove School Division made this wonderful Willow Awards Quilt!