SCHOLARSHIP NAMES HISTORY

Some of our Scholarship are named after people who  contributed to Washington State school librarianship. Please contact the webmaster, if you have further information about these individuals.

Eleanor Ahlers

Eleanor retired from the University of Washington Library School in 1975 after teaching there for ten years. She was the first Supervisor of Librar Services at OSPI and served as AASL president and executive secretary. A tribute reception was held in January 1976 and then WSASL President, Lee Beasley stated "Our organization, WSASL, stands as a tribute to Eleanor Ahlers. Her vision, perserverance, unflagging enthusiasm and high degree of professionalism have helped build WSASL into the strong assoication it is today. Eleanor was our first president when 90 librarians met in Ellensburg in April 29, 1950. The first publication Library Leads appeared in October that year with a reported membership of 209." --as reported in  MEDIUM Spring 1976

Sharon Bates

Sharon Bates' life tragically ended in ana automobile accident on Sat. November 28, 1992. Family and friends, as well as colleagues and students, grieve for her passing. Sharon's zest for life; enthusiasm for her students, both young people and adults; and her sharp, knowledgable mind were treasures that we can remember for a long time to come. Sharon was a prime example of what a library media specialist should be. She was an educator for 27 years, 25 years in Medical Lake School district. She taught many libray science classes at Eastern Washington University. Sharon Bates served faithfully in many WLMA Region 7 (now NE7) and state leadership positions. A memorial scholarship was established for her by family and friends. --from Marijke Albers in MEDIUM  Winter 1993

Denny Bond

Denny Bond was elected president in Spring 1995 and passed away before he took office. He  was Director at ESD 114 and was the AV Repair Person at ESD 189. He wrote for the MEDIUM and presented classes and workshops on technology and copyright. His family started this scholarship and continues to fund it annually.

Laura Hahn

Former high school librarian in Enumclaw. Her commitment to the field of school librarianship and her dedication to her work with students and teachers provided an inspiration to all who knew her.

John Stanford

Former Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools for 3 years 1995-98. He died of leukemia November 28, 1998. John called himself the "children's crusader" as he worked on improving schools.When he started at Seattle Public Schools on Sept. 1, 1995, by Sept. 5 he proposed tougher academic standards; a community-wide "reading offensive" that prompted the donation of thousands of books to school libraries; holding students back if they don't meet academic standards. Vowed the district's building program will be completed "on cost and on time." From the Seattle Times Memorial information.