ELLA Awards: Home

210teenlibrary Discord Moderators  

Branko Padilla  

Christian Wright 

Elysia Weddell 

Emerald Alaniz 

Henry Mossor 

Layne Heath 

Matthew Martini 

Valentina Guerrero Vasiliu 

“These teens have been instrumental in keeping library programming alive through the pandemic by developing the teen Discord channel and serving as moderators to provide opportunities for the Library’s teen groups to engage with each other through activities and discussions.” 

Tracey Bennett 

“Tracey Ramsey Bennett, throughout her exceptional years of service to the San Antonio Public Library, made many contributions through her dedication, leadership, and tireless efforts of support to the San Antonio community and the San Antonio Public Library.” 

Nominated by

Jean Brady Immediate Past Chair, San Antonio Public Library Board of Trustees 

Ramiro S. Salazar Director, San Antonio Public Library

Jeremy Brimhall and the San Antonio Philharmonic 

“Jeremy and the Symphony have brought unique experiences to the SAPL community at no cost to the library, eliminating what would be a barrier to many of our patrons.”

Nominated by

Cresencia Huff

Children’s Library Coordinator, San Antonio Public Library

Carissa Ceasor 

“By creating a safe place for teens to build community connections, be themselves and be heard, Carissa helped young people make new friends, learn new skills, develop self-confidence and become more socially adept.”

Nominated by

Daniella Toll

Teen Services Librarian, Collins Garden Branch Library

Anden & Cole Chandler

“Anden and Cole Chandler created positive content for the 210teenlibrary Instagram account and donated time and resources to the Library to create quiet moments of reflection, occasions for celebration and to help teens not take life too seriously.”  

Nominated by

Daniella Toll

Teen Services Librarian, Collins Garden Branch Library

Patricia DePasquale 

“Pat has been actively involved with the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library for nearly two decades and has served on the board of the Friends of the Tobin at Oakwell Library.   Pat is involved with Friends groups at three different library branches and the effect of her efforts cannot be overstated. ”

Nominated by

Karen Sebesta

Adult Services Librarian (retired), Landa Branch Library

Fiesta Youth 

“Fiesta Youth serves as an exceptional advocate for the LGBTQ+ youth community in San Antonio by providing them with meaningful experiences and dedicated safe spaces, and through their hard work and determination, they are making an invaluable difference in the lives of countless LGBTQ+ teens in our city.” 

Nominated by

Matthew Loaiza

Teen Services Librarian, Teen Library at Central

Misty Raley Gassaway 

“What makes Misty exceptional is the amount of time she volunteers at the library and the effort she puts into making children's programs at Great Northwest a success." 

Nominated by

Stephanie Vazquez

Librarian, Great Northwest Branch Library

Lisa Kulka 

“Lisa Kulka was a pioneer in recognizing the unique partnership opportunity of the Public Library Connect project, an initiative that connects K-12 students with the digital resources available from the San Antonio Public Library through their school library.”

Nominated by

David Cooksey, Jennifer Velasquez & Cresencia Huff

San Antonio Public Library

Rosemary Niño 

“Ms. Niño embodies an exceptional steward of the library by selflessly giving her talents, time and resources back to the community that helped shape her values.” 

Nominated by

Gina Brudi

Children’s Services Librarian, Collins Garden Branch Library

Griffin Oliver 

“Griffin started a conversation about censorship inspired by frustration over discussions of book bans in his school district. This led to many teens in the 210teenlibrary group posting their own statements supporting the Freedom to Read.”

Nominated by

Daniella Toll

Teen Services Librarian, Collins Garden Branch Library

Kelli Pyles 

“Kelli has developed new programs for the Encino Branch Library designed to engage and educate children and teens that visit the library. Kelli continually gives an ambiance of acceptance and kindness toward all patrons and employees, ensuring the image of the library is one of inclusivity and diversity.” 

Nominated by

Christian & Alexis Pyles 

Nancy Rodriguez-Guzman 

and the Friends of the Pan American Branch Library 

“Nancy is the youngest person to become an active Friends of a Library president for a library branch. She has recruited some of her peers and continues to advocate and support the Pan American library through her and the group’s innovative fundraising efforts.”

Nominated by

Cassandra Garza Teen Services Librarian, Bazan Branch Library
Jeannette Davies Branch Manager, Brook Hollow Branch Library

Theresa Sanchez 

“Thanks to Ms. Sanchez’s efforts, we recently received six new laptops, and now we can start offering these much-needed classes to our patrons.”  

Nominated by

Rachel Downen

Former Branch Manager, Pruitt Library

Sarah-Esther Sarabia 

“While speaking with Sarah, you can feel the excitement and passion she has for the library. She is a strong advocate for the services that the city provides through the library … At 18, Sarah is already a strong leader and advocate for her community.” 

Nominated by

Kae Roemershauser

Community Engagement Coordinator, City Council District 3

Sheryl Sculley 

“Ms. Sculley's support for investment in the Library benefitted our entire community.”

Nominated by

Ramiro S. Salazar

Director, San Antonio Public Library

Karen R. Wyatt 

“She is an exceptional teacher and coach. In her current role, Karen leads an English as a Second Language (ESL) reading group for the San Antonio Public Library and, through her group, has introduced learners to classic literature, current bestsellers, memoirs, and historical fiction.” 

Nominated by

Emily Flores

Former LCRC Program Manager, San Antonio Public Library