West Lawn Principal Honored with NSLA Distinguished Administrator Award
Grand Island (Neb.) — One administrator was surprised with a special visit during the staff professional learning day.
Dr. Maggie Mintken, principal of West Lawn Elementary, was honored with the 2024 Distinguished Administrators Award from the Nebraska School Librarians Association (NSLA) during a professional development session on Friday, January 31. Two representatives from the NSLA surprised her with the award, along with fellow district administrators and her family.
The award, which is awarded every other year, recognizes Dr. Mintken's leadership, vision, and support of the school's media center and its newly developed makerspace. She was nominated for the award by a former West Lawn staff member.
Dr. Mintken expressed gratitude upon receiving the award.
"I was very surprised and honored," she shared. "It's touching when staff recognize that you're truly trying to clear the obstacles and provide them with the opportunities to thrive in their roles, whether as a teacher or a librarian. This isn't an individual effort; it's a collective one. The ideas and desires of the entire team, working alongside staff and the teachers here, drive the vision we're working towards."
Dr. Mintken's support was important as the West Lawn team secured a grant from the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation to create the makerspace within the media center.
She explained the importance of these learning spaces for students. "I'm a firm believer in literature. Stories open up the world for individuals. They're how we connect, build background knowledge, and nurture our curiosity and love of all things,” Dr. Mintken said.
The makerspace, filled with a variety of materials and activities such as Lego walls, provides students with opportunities for exploration and creativity. While primarily an after-school program, it also integrates with the school day. Dr. Mintken acknowledged the contributions of the entire team, including Chandra Myers, West Lawn Academic Support Coach, who helped lead the effort to bring the makerspace to fruition.
Adding to the personal meaning of being honored with the NSLA award, Dr. Mintken said books and makerspace hold a special place in her heart.
“As a child, I believed that life should be a makerspace,” Dr. Mintken explained. “Kids should be playing and exploring throughout their learning journey. It’s through hands-on learning that their ideas and visions come to life."
Congratulations to Dr. Maggie Mintken, the 2024 NSLA Distinguished Administrator Award recipient!