2001 Walter J. Taranko
School Library Media Specialist of the Year

Pamela Goucher
Freeport Middle School

For Immediate Release
Senator Beth Edmonds
June 8, 2001

Senator Edmonds Presents Legislative Sentiment to Library Media Specialist of the Year

(Augusta) - Senator Beth Edmonds (D-Freeport) yesterday presented Pamela Goucher, Freeport Middle School Librarian, with the Walter J. Taranko School Library Media Specialist of the Year Award. The reading and presentation was held in the Senate Chamber in Augusta.

The award is named for the Media Services Coordinator at the Maine State Library. Mr. Taranko is said to have cajoled, hectored, persuaded, charmed, and inspired school librarians all over the state to provide better programs for their students and faculties; to make their collections and skills an integral part of the curricula in their schools; and most importantly, to understand that they were competent to do so.

Said Senator Edmonds, "Pam Goucher certainly embodies all of that which Walter Taranko has worked so hard for. She has worked more than 10 years to continually grow and improve the library's collection and services, teaching ibrary skills, note-taking, and computer research technolgy. Because of her enthusiasm and constant vigilance, usage of the collection is ever increasing and being enjoyed by many. Pam also works closely with staff members, sharing that same enthusiasm and knowledge with them."

"Everyone benefits from association with Pam Goucher. I was honored to be able to sponsor the sentiment and present it to Pam. She's the best!" continued the Senator.