Deirdre Sugiuchi, media specialist at Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School, has been awarded a Teacher & Librarian Scholarship to attend the Key West Literary Seminar, “Under the Influence: Archetype & Adaptation from Homer to the Multiplex.” Sugiuchi joins twenty other teachers and librarians from thirteen different states who have been chosen to receive financial aid packages totaling more than $22,000 to attend the 37^th annual event January 10-13, 2019.

During their attendance at the Seminar, scholarship recipients will expand their professional network and be exposed to leading contemporary authors such as Margaret Atwood, Marlon James, Victor LaValle, Joyce Carol Oates, and Kevin Young. Recipients will also meet with colleagues at the Monroe County Public Library and Key West High School.

As a media specialist at Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary, Deirdre Sugiuchi seeks to foster a love of reading and writing in her students by seeking out culturally relevant materials and books reflecting student interests in a variety of genres. She hosts author visits and implements the Reading Rock Stars program, which recognizes and celebrates students for reading at home. Sugiuchi has taught elementary and middle school for fourteen years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature from the University of Georgia, as well as her M.Ed. in instructional technology.

“Recently, there has been a renewed interest in the importance of character education,” Sugiuchi says. “I believe that as children begin to interpret more complex stories, themes, and situations, they use archetypes to navigate the world. I regularly share comic book heroes, mythology, and folk and fairy tales with my students. Attending this year’s seminar will provide opportunities for me to more fully understand the history and the impact of literary influence, as well as to connect with other professionals in my field.”

The Key West Literary Seminar Scholarship Program aims to nourish a vibrant literary culture by providing support to a diverse group of teachers, librarians, readers, and writers. Since 2008, they have provided 470 individuals with nearly $460,000 in fee waivers and lodging and travel assistance.