SLRI Awards -Maurice Tougas Award
The SLRI Maurice Tougas Award recognizes excellence among the graduating class of GSLIS’ School Library Media Program by rewarding the hard work of an emerging professional to develop future leaders in the state in honor of Maurice Tougas' legacy.
2025 award submissions are now closed
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Who may submit an application for this award? Any current GSLIS student in good standing with an expected graduation date this academic year who meets the selection criteria outlined below
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When will the award be announced? At the RILA Annual Conference
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What form does the award take? $500
Selection Criteria:
Nominees must:
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Achieve high academic performance
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Demonstrate leadership qualities
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Exhibit potential for noteworthy contributions to the field
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Complete a student teaching practicum at a Rhode Island school with the intention to become part of the Rhode Island professional community.
Submission Guidelines:
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Nominees must submit a current resume and a 300-500-word essay on the topic below.
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Concise, well-written, engaging entries enjoy a clear advantage over other submissions.
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Incomplete or late entries will be disqualified.
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Please note that award eligibility, application, selection, and submission criteria may be changed at the discretion of the SLRI Awards Chair and/or the SLRI Executive Board.
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Rolling applications are due by midnight on April 1.
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Application
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Rubric
Email any questions about this award or about the application process to slriawards@rilibraries.org with “Maurice Tougas Award” in the subject line.
Essay Topic:
The school librarian's role encompasses a broad range of roles and responsibilities. You deliver lessons, manage collections, support curriculum, and navigate relationships with students and faculty, all the while keeping up on the latest trends in education and technology and reading new literature for your age group. As you prepare to enter the field, what is one concrete action step you plan to take in your first year as a school librarian?
Previous Recipients:
- 2025-Melissa Stevens
- 2024-Sam Wallace
- 2023-Alaina Moran
- 2022- Wendy Gustavel
- 2021-Heather Coughlin
- 2020-Dawn Warnock
- 2019-Kelli McPartlin
- 2017-Alyssa Taft
- 2016-Kristin Polseno
- 2015-Kevin St. Jean
- 2013-Sarah Ornstein
- 2012-Laura Gladding
- 2011- Suzanne Jordan
- 2010- Leah Chapdelaine
- 2008- Mary Beauchemin
- 2007- Stephanie Mills
- 2006- Zachary Berger
- 2005-Darshell Silva
- 2004-Jill Jackson-Fernandes
- 2003- Debra Cohen
- 2002- Michelle Steever
- 2001-Donna Hayes
- 2000-Rosanne Trissler and Maureen Ingegneri
- 1999-Suzanne Lynch
- 1996- Heidi Blais
