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​“In memory of Judi Paradis”
​to: 
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Judi Paradis Memorial Grant

Judi Paradis was an extraordinary leader for the Massachusetts School Library Association and will be long-remembered for her positive impact on the school library community.

She dedicated many years to MSLA and school libraries. In 2003 as a student at Salem State University, Judi won the Audrey Friend Scholarship. She quickly became involved in MSLA, chairing the first Bookmark Contest in 2004 to celebrate School Library Month. Her passion for school libraries made her a natural for the Legislative Committee and was a co-chair for many years. She served as MSLA Secretary and became MSLA President-Elect in 2012. As MSLA President,  Judi advocated for a statewide study to examine  equity of access to school library programs in our public schools. In 2014, the State Legislature’s Special Commission on School Library Services in Massachusetts was created.  

Judi received many accolades. In 2010, she was recognized with the MSLA "Super Librarian Award." When the President of the American Association of School Libraries toured the US, Judi's Plympton Elementary School in Waltham was the Massachusetts showcase school library. In 2016, she received the MSLA Service Award and in 2018 was honored with the MSLA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Cancer may have claimed Judi's life, but her legacy of stronger school libraries lives on.  In response to numerous requests to establish a fund to honor Judi's memory, the MSLA Executive Board has established a memorial program. 
JUDI PARADIS ACTION GRANT   
DESCRIPTION: Judi Paradis was a key leader in the school library community and the Massachusetts School Library Association.  As a champion of social justice, diversity, multiculturalism, and advocacy, her dedication, leadership, creativity, and enthusiasm inspired many school librarians.
MSLA has established an action grant in remembrance of our friend and colleague.  A grant will be awarded to a librarian/library program for programming purposes which support making a positive impact on a library program and/or school culture.  Special consideration will be given to proposals demonstrating topics of social justice, diversity/multiculturalism, and collaboration with teachers.
CRITERIA / ELIGIBILITY: The nominee must be a Massachusetts school librarian who is state-certified or who has a professional degree as a school librarian and is a current member of MSLA. The project or program must take place during the 2019-2020 school year and make a positive difference in the school/district's library program and/or school culture.

AWARD FUNDING:  One or more awards may be given per year up to $500 for supplies, materials, presenters, etc needed for programming. 
​
RESPONSIBILITIES: The winner of the Judi Paradis Action Grant agrees to: 
  • give an accounting of expenses with receipts in order to be reimbursed.  
  • write an article for the MSLA Forum, coordinated with the Forum editors. 
  • submit a photograph for use on the MSLA website
2021
​Judi Paradis
​Memorial Grant Recipient
Jennifer Edwards
 Dennis Yarmouth Regional High School
     Jennifer will collaborate with the English and Art Departments to create a visual art and creative writing project. Her goal is to reach all students at the high school, both remote and in person.   
     The English Department will celebrate National Poetry Month by creating a poetry writing lesson.  The poems are part of the " I Am From" Project and will allow students to tell their stories in their own voices. Students will choose a design for the mural and will complete it under the guidance of the Art Department.  The mural and poetry project will be a permanent feature in the library.
     Judi was a champion of social justice, diversity, multiculturalism, and advocacy and she would be very pleased with this project. ​
January 22, 2020: Judi Paradis was honored at her hometown's Martin Luther King celebration. The town made a generous donation to the MSLA Paradis Memorial Grant Fund.
Article in the Wicked Local newspaper
RIGHT: Janice Bakey shakes the hand of Rob Carter, Judi Paradis’ son, after acknowledging Paradis’ outstanding achievement during the 32nd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Observance at the Robbins Memorial Town Hall in Arlington, Jan. 20, 2020. Paradis, a longtime children’s librarian and volunteer to many causes in Arlington, passed away in April 2019. [Wicked Local Photo/Nathan Klima]
Page Updated: February 22, 2021           Page Editor: Ann Perham aperham@maschoolibraries.org