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CHICAGO – In a ceremony attended by district administrators, school staff and students, Eaglecrest High School in Centennial, Colo., celebrated its recognition as the 2014 American Association of School Librarians (AASL) National School Library Program of the Year. Sponsored by the Follett, the NSLPY annually recognizes a school library program that meets the needs of the changing school and library environment and is fully integrated into the school's curriculum.

Principal Gwen Hansen-Vigil opened the ceremony, sharing her pride in Eaglecrest’s accomplishment. She then turned the podium to library coordinator Kristin McKeown, who along with school librarian Hollie Hawkins, facilitated the application process. McKeown thanked AASL and Follett and introduced AASL Executive Director Sylvia Knight Norton.

Norton spoke on the criteria of the award and finished her presentation by by simply stating, “With all of this work, what does a National School Library Program of the Year look like? Look around you, Eaglecrest, and be proud. ”

One of the many highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of the crystal obelisk, the symbol of school library excellence. Scott Chain, vice president/market and industry relations at Follett, presented the obelisk to MeKeown. Both laughingly acknowledged they wore white gloves to protect the crystal finish from fingerprints.

In a surprise presentation, Becky Russell, school libraries/digital literacy specialist for the Colorado Department of Education, read a proclamation from the governor’s office declaring October 22, 2014, as Eaglecrest School Library day in the state of Colorado.

Eaglecrest High School, a part of the Cherry Creek School District located in the southeast Denver area, is a comprehensive, suburban, college preparatory high school. The curriculum ranges in scope from essentials to Advanced Placement courses in English, social studies, science and mathematics. Additional courses include world languages, music, arts, computer technology and vocational education. The school librarians at Eaglecrest seamlessly support, and in many cases take the lead on, integrating education and technological initiatives that best serve the students.

The application for the 2015 NSLPY award is now available using AASL’s . Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. Central on January 1, 2015. AASL awards and grants recognize excellence and showcase best practices in the school library field in categories that include collaboration, leadership and innovation.

The American Association of School Librarians, , a division of the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.