As we all know, 2020 turned out to be a very difficult year! It definitely shut down the Smith Book Awards program, as many schools did not pursue their award ceremonies. It was difficult to make contact but between March and the end of June, I was able to connect with six high school counselors in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. After the students were chosen to receive the award, I sent the counselors the presentation materials including our book award choice, Word by Word, written by alumna Kory Stamper. This book was picked out by the Board. The packet of materials we sent included the award certificate, the book, and information about Smith and Northampton. Judy Zangwill and I participated in two Zoom presentations, Judy Z for Pine View and me for Booker High School. The counselors of the four schools who did not have a Zoom presentation were going to see that the students received the materials either this summer or in the fall. Those four high schools were Cardinal Mooney, Manatee, Southeast, and Saint Stephens.
Thanks so very much to Judy Zangwill who assisted me with strong support and counsel as well as being willing to do presentations. She will take over this chair for the coming year. Her enthusiasm will be very helpful and strong.