The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is joining the Maine Association of School Libraries (MASL) in recognizing three outstanding educators for their contributions to school library programs across the state. The honors include the Walter J. Taranko School Librarian of the Year award, Support Staff Educator of the Year award, and Administrator of the Year award.
Each award recipient was surprised at their school by MASL Past President Heather Perkinson, who presented certificates, along with $500 gifts to support their school libraries.
Walter J. Taranko School Librarian of the Year
Portland High School librarian Susie Nick was named 2026 Walter J. Taranko School Librarian of the Year during a staff meeting on March 25, 2026.
Nick was nominated by fellow teacher Terese Myatt, who gathered testimonials from administrators, colleagues, and students. Portland High School Principal Sheila Jepson praised Nick’s impact, noting, “The library is a breath of fresh air. It is a welcoming place for students to be and a hub of learning and activity.”
Perkinson also highlighted Nick’s leadership in developing innovative programming, including literacy-focused freshman seminar classes that she teaches.
From left to right: 2026 Walter J. Taranko School Librarian of the Year Susie Nick, MASL Past President Heather Perkinson, Walter J. Taranko School Educational Technician Muntather Alsawad
Support Staff Educator of the Year
Hillory Durgin, an Educational Technician at Wentworth School in Scarborough, has been named the 2026 MASL Support Staff Educator of the Year. She was surprised with the award during a schoolwide assembly on March 11, 2026.
Durgin was nominated by librarian Megan Blakemore, who described her as “a creative, energetic, and distinguished library leader” whose work consistently engages students with reading and celebrates literacy. Wentworth School Principal Kelli Crosby also commended Durgin’s “student-centered approach.”
From left to right: Wentworth School Educational Technician Megan Blakemore, 2026 MASL Support Staff Educator of the Year Hillory Durgin, Wentworth School Library Educational Technician Kerry Boyd, and Wentworth School Library Educational Technician Lisa Farago
Administrator of the Year
Bethany Connolly, principal of Skillin Elementary School, was named 2026 MASL Administrator of the Year during a special school assembly on March 27, 2026.
In recognition of Connolly’s love of birds, the celebration featured students wearing handmade bird masks, a schoolwide bird-themed song, and a “nest” throne created in her honor.
Connolly was nominated by Skillin Elementary School librarian Jennifer Stanbro, who highlighted her strong support for the school library program.
“She understands that representation matters and that our library must reflect and honor all of our students’ identities and experiences,” Stanbro wrote. She added that Connolly recognizes “a strong school library is not a luxury but a necessity, especially for students who face challenges outside of school.”
From left to right: MASL Past President Heather Perkinson, 2026 MASL Administrator of the Year Bethany Connolly, Skillin Elementary School Librarian Jennifer Stanbro
The Maine Association of School Libraries (MASL) supports effective school library programs through professional development, advocacy, and community-building. For more information about MASL awards and how to nominate an educator, visit maslibraries.org and select the Awards and Scholarships tab.
Maine DOE Newsroom 