Ms. Sheri McDonald and the Kreinhop Elementary School Student Council earned the Highsmith Award at the Texas Library Association’s convention in Houston on April 2. The school received the recognition for its generous donation of books to Bridge City ISD after Hurricane Ike. Theirs was the only Highsmith Award given to a school this year. The students collected over 1,000 books that they placed in 25 boxes that were so big Ms. McDonald arranged for two trucks to deliver them. Additionally, they collected $243 dollars for new books.

At the convention, the school gained praise for “a concept that rallied support from their own families, the local community, a local businessman as well as 6 other district librarians and their students.”

The businessman who assisted was Mr. Mike Ludwig from Chick-fil-A on FM 2920 who allowed the school to place a book drive box in his store for the month of November. He also supplied our school coupons for free meals for each $1.00 donation to the book drive.

The council members assisted Ms. McDonald in publicizing the drive, collecting the books, and packing them. They were given delivery assistance by Ms. Mary McCoy who is the library service director of Lamar State University, Orange, Texas. She coordinated the statewide book donations to Bridge City ISD.

The second Highsmith award was given to Amarillo Public Library for a community reading program.

In addition to receiving a plaque for their efforts, the school will receive a donation of $1,000 for its community service efforts.

The Kreinhop Student Council conducts an annual book drive for Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM), participates in a food drive, and sends gifts to military personnel in Iraq.

Ms. Sheri McDonald is the Kreinhop librarian and sponsor of the student council.

Ms. Maria Mireles is the sponsor of the student council.

The Klein ISD is located in north Harris County and has more than 43,527 students in its twenty-five (25) elementary, eight (8) intermediate, and four (4) high schools. Visit the district’s Web site at www.kleinisd.net for additional information about the Klein Independent School District.