Librarian Wins National Educator Award

Woods was cited for creating the first intermediate grade school library in her district, for promoting collaboration with teachers, and for launching programs that attract students to the media center. Some of Woods's former students told Milken judges that she had instilled in them a love of reading and writing, something they have carried into their adult lives.

The award, which comes with a $25,000 cash prize to be used at the winner's discretion, will enable Woods to attend professional conferences, create more school library programs, and increase the media center's book collection.

The Milken Family Foundation works with education departments in 46 states to identify outstanding educators who inspire and motivate students to learn. The foundation is known for surprising its winners at school assemblies and other large gatherings.

"They tell us it's like receiving the Oscar and winning the lottery on the same day," says Stephanie Germeraad, a Milken Family Foundation spokesperson. All winners will receive their awards in Los Angeles this April.

Businessman and philanthropist Lowell Milken created the award for California educators in 1987, but the number of recipients has steadily grown since then as other state education departments have joined the program. One hundred educators a year currently receive the awards.