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Announcing our 2021 Nebraska School Librarian of the Year Award Winner:

Sara Friest of Lincoln Southeast High School
On Saturday, October 16, 2021, the Nebraska School Librarians Association (NSLA) announced the 2021 Nebraska School Librarian of the Year: Sara Friest of Lincoln Southeast High School in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Nebraska School Librarian of the Year award is in its inaugural year and seeks to recognize outstanding work in the school library field. The award’s criteria are based upon an individual’s demonstrated creativity and innovation in the profession through instructional opportunities and programming. 

Sara was nominated by Joy Harvey and Emily Jacobs of Lincoln Public Schools. Within their nominations, they stated that, “Mrs. Friest has worked hard to make the library an inclusive and fun place for all students.” One way that she has done this is by collaborating with an English teacher, Julie Krueger, to create a monthly program called “Community of Learners” which brings students together. Friest and Krueger collaborate with students to plan games, crafts, photo booths, and other activities with the goal of creating a sense of community and friendship among the students.
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The Nebraska School Librarian of the Year award was presented on Friday, October 15, 2021 by Mandy Peterson of the NSLA, Emily Jacobs, Dr. Chris Haeffner, Lincoln Southeast administrators, a filming crew, and Julie Krueger’s class. “Southeast Library is the place to be and that is because of Mrs. Friest’s hard work, dedication, and vision…” Dr. Chris Haeffner stated during the awards presentation. The NSLA echoed that sentiment via Mandy Peterson. “Sara is a tremendous example of a modern school librarian and the value school librarians bring to the table. It is evident from the time I was able to spend with her, her coworkers, and her students in the school library that she is doing great things. We are wildly proud of her."







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