Photo/submitted
Westborough – The Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA) has named Anita Cellucci, teacher librarian at Westborough High School, as the recipient of the 2020 Peggy Hallisey Service Award. This award honors a member of MSLA who has been a leader in school libraries during the course of a career spanning more than 10 years, demonstrating an exemplary commitment to 21st-century learning and the advancement of school libraries through leadership at the state, regional and/or national level. Cellucci will receive the award at the MSLA Awards Banquet.
“When it comes to supporting the social and emotional well-being of students or implementing inquiry into teaching and learning, Anita Cellucci has been on the forefront of our profession,” said Assistant Director of Library Media Services (Cambridge Public Schools) Amy Short. “She truly embodies what it means to lead with commitment and compassion.”
Cellucci is also the K-12 Library Department head at Westborough High. As a teaching lecturer for Plymouth State University, NH, she teaches an online course for children’s and young adult literature with a focus on social justice and diversity in the library. She is currently a director for New England, Region 1 on the AASL Board of Directors, past MSLA Advocacy co-chair, as well as past president of the MSLA. She is a guided inquiry design practitioner and has published a chapter in the book “Guided Inquiry Design in Action: High School.” Cellucci has also published articles in publications such as “School Library Journal, Teacher Librarian” and is a monthly columnist for School Library Connection’s “Full Voice.” She is the recipient of the MSLA Service Award 2017, MSLA Seal of Excellence 2016-2020, and AASL Social Media Superstar Finalist, 2018, Social Justice Defender Category. For her work in relation to mental health and social-emotional learning, she was named a 2019 LJ Mover & Shaker and received the School Librarian of the Year 2016 Co-Finalist Award.
The Massachusetts School Library Association works to ensure every school has a school library program that is fully integrated at all grade levels across the curriculum and has a significant and measurable impact on student achievement. For more information, visit maschoolibraries.org.
