2017-2018 Gladys Sachse Scholarship Award Winners Announced

Chelsea Treadway and Melissa Bullard are this year’s winners of the Gladys Sachse Endowed Scholarships. Chelsea and Melissa are each awarded a $1,000 scholarship to support their studies in the Graduate Library Media Program for the 2017-2018 academic year. Congratulations to Chelsea and Melisa!

treadwayChelsea Treadway is currently a science teacher at Annie Camp Junior high in Jonesboro.  She plans to graduate from UCA’s Library Media program in August 2017.  Once she graduates and is in a school library media center, she plans to implement several concepts that she learned from the program.

In particular, she plans to,

  • Attend grade and subject level meetings to better understand what resources teachers need within the school
  • Design makerspaces that intrigue students and promote the library
  • Write grants that allow the library to become more technology-centered
  • Redesign the library when needed to meet the 21st century learner’s needs
  • Offer activities during and after school hours that promotes the school library

Chelsea states: “The library media program opened my eyes to the potential of a school library far beyond the tasks of checking out books.  I hope to someday run a library that engages all students, meets the needs of all teachers, and sets the standard for the 21st century library media center.”

bullardMelissa Bullard works for the Blytheville Public Schools.  This is her 20th year in the district.  Nineteen of those years have been dedicated to being a First Grade teacher.  This year is her first year as the Kindergarten Library Media Specialist.  She is currently seeking a Master’s degree in Library Media and Information Technologies from UCA.  She plans on graduating in the Spring of 2018.

Her initial plans are to:

  • create an atmosphere in the library that makes children and staff  want to come and visit.
  • create an online web page for her library showcasing all they have to offer, including  a link for  online access to their collection.
  • educate students, parents  and staff on how they can access the library 24/7.
  • collaborate with teachers, students & administration in order to improve test scores.
  • help struggling readers to succeed by creating literacy chat groups.

Her future plans are to:

  • add additional maker space projects.
  • strengthen and update all collections with staff and student input.
  • update technology and help staff design lessons using technology.