Congratulations are due to Amy Wilde, librarian at Cascade Middle School in Bend. Amy is the 2016 winner of OYAN’s You’re Excellent Award (OYEA!), which was presented at the Oregon Library Association’s annual conference in April. In addition to her varied work in the school library, Amy was commended for teaching engaging lessons on research and leading the school’s Where Everyone Belongs group of student leaders who organize welcoming activities and teach lessons to other students. She is, it was noted, innovative, resourceful, and inspiring to be around.
Amy was nominated by April Witteveen of the Deschutes Public Library with the support of her colleagues and many, many students who wrote heartfelt letters detailing how Amy has impacted their lives as readers and as people. Just some of their compliments for her included:
- She has helped many readers like me fall deeper in love with reading.
- She spends so much time making sure things are orderly in the library and everywhere else.
- She shows true compassion for all students.
- Her enthusiasm fills the room and seeps in to those around her.
- She is honest, supportive, focused, humorous, committed, positive, creative, and passionate.
- She showed me how awesome the book collection at the library is, but also created awesome after school, before school, and during lunch programs like lunch n’ movies, movie nights, and multiple clubs.
- Everyone at our school – reader or not – knows who Mrs. Wilde is. Not just because she is silly or crazy, but because, no matter who you are, Mrs. Wilde can find a book for you.
- Amy has an amazing collection of crazy hats, wigs, and silly costumes that can bring a smile to even the toughest teen’s face.
- [Miss Wilde has taught me] we should not be judged by our differences, we should embrace them. I may not be the same, but that is not bad. Mrs. Wilde has taught me the word unique, and unique is a beautiful word.
OYAN - Oregon Young Adult Network 