Winner 2016 - Dielleza Brava

 

We are delighted to announce that the winner of the Pupil Library Assistant of the Year Award is - Dielleza Brava!

Dielleza is from Sydenham School in London and has worked with her school librarian since September 2011. Her head teacher, Ruth Holden, describes the library as being at the “very heart of reading, teaching and learning” and places Dielleza as part of that. Her librarian, Diana Adams, says that Dielleza is “dedicated to the library” and an “excellent ambassador”.

 

Dielleza received her award at a glittering and author-filled ceremony in London. Author and President of the SLA, Kevin Crossley-Holland opened the ceremony and welcomed the finalists and reminded everyone that “no one should underestimate the importance of a school librarian.” Dielleza received her award from Children’s Laureate, Chris Riddell, who then entertained the audience with his talk about the libraries, and librarians, that he has loved.

 

It is always a difficult task selecting a winner from such an extraordinary shortlist, this year was no exception. One of the key elements that the judging panel look at is not only how much impact the Pupil Library Assistant has had on the library, but the positive impact it has had on them. Dielleza is a remarkable young person and her work in the school library has had a powerful impact on other pupils, and it has also led to her having greater self-confidence. Her work as a Pupil Library Assistant has allowed her to see the positive effect she can have on others, and this has had significant effects that reach far beyond the library walls.

 

Chair of the 2016 Judging Panel, Lin Smith speaks for all the judges when she says

 

"As an officially "old" person who has been involved in libraries for over forty years it is so encouraging to see that the role of the library is intrinsic in the personal development of these young people. Libraries are a mirror of the society in which we live and grow. Should that ever be forgotten, ignored or disregarded then it will reflect badly on everything that is truly good about education in the widest sense.

 

Awards such as these do not happen by magic and I must thank everyone on the Judging Panel for their energy, help and support and of course the sponsors who make this award possible. It was both humbling and gratifying to read about the fantastic contributions that all our finalists (and indeed the vast majority of the nominees) make to their school libraries. I think selecting both the finalists and the eventual winner was one of the most thoughtful processes I have ever undertaken. A huge vote of congraulations to you all."

We would like to say a very special thank you to all of the nominees and the finalists. You are all doing remarkable things and it has been an honour to read your nominations and to meet you.

 

 

Finalists 2015/16

 

Once again the judging panel faced an extraordinarily difficult task bringing the longlist down to a select group of finalists. After much deliberation we are delighted to announce the five finalists for the 2015/16 award. 

 

Every one of the nominated pupils contributed to the wonderful work of their school libraries, but these five young people stood out for making particularly outstanding contributions.

 

The finalists are (in alphabetical order of surname)

 

Rebecca Alderson 
Rebecca is from Belmont Community School in Durham and has worked with her school librarian since October 2012. Her head teacher, Paul Marsden, describes her as “determined, valuable and reliable” and her librarian, Angela Roe, says that the library is “extremely lucky to have Rebecca.”

Greg Alderton
Greg is from St Nicholas Catholic High School in Cheshire and has worked with his school librarian since September 2013. His head teacher, Kieran Kelly, describes him as someone who “willingly gives up a great deal of his time to support the library”. His librarian, Kate Roberts, says that Greg is “reliable, conscientious and respected.”

Dielleza Brava
Dielleza is from Sydenham School in London and has worked with her school librarian since September 2011. Her head teacher, Ruth Holden, describes the library as being at the “very heart of reading, teaching and learning” and places Dielleza as part of that. Her librarian, Diana Adams, says that Dielleza is “dedicated to the library” and an “excellent ambassador”.

Sam Miller
Sam is from Reading School in Reading and has been working with his school librarian since September 2013. His head teacher, Ashley Robinson, describes Sam as “an inspiration to both staff and fellow students.” His librarian, Loralie Kesteven, says that Sam is “dedicated, thoughtful and compassionate.”

Aston Monks
Aston is from Great Baddow High School in Essex and has been working with his school librarian since 2012. His head teacher, Carrie Lynch, describes Aston as “popular”, “determined”, and “focused”. His librarian, Cathy Hawkings, describes him as “ambitious”, “organised” and as someone who is "happy to go above and beyond."