Highland Park Middle School and HPISD Lead Librarian Jill Bellomy was presented with the HP Education Foundation’s John and Eileen Howie Community Service Award during the HPISD Convocation celebration Aug. 10 that kicked off the 2022-23 school year. The Howie Award is given annually to an HPISD staff member who exemplifies a spirit of service to the community in celebration of the Howie Family and their dedication to the Park Cities community.
“Throughout her more than 30 years in education, this year’s recipient has combined her passion for teaching and her vision for her students’ future while also supporting her fellow teachers, librarians, parents and colleagues across the state, said HPEF Board President Michael Denton who presented the award to Bellomy. “She is there for new and seasoned librarians as an advocate and cheerleader,” said Denton.
Bellomy is the Chair of the Texas Association for School Librarians. A role in which she serves as a leader, spokesperson and mentor to librarians across the state while advocating for all libraries to promote the gift of reading through student choice and self-selection.
HPISD library colleagues nominated Bellomy for this award, and said, “Together, we believe that Jill’s dedication to the community of Highland Park, along with her commitment to HPISD and libraries across Texas exemplify the ideals of the Howie Award - an award she richly deserves.”
Bellomy, while managing district responsibilities, also serves with the American and Texas Library Associations, North Texas Teen Book Festival, Dallas Museum of Arts and Letters Program, Shoreline City Church, Operation Kindness and the Genesis Women’s Shelter.
At the district level, Bellomy has served as a voice for HPISD libraries in various capacities including serving on the District Technology Committee, District Improvement Committee, the Book Reconsideration Committee and as Lead Librarian.
HPISD is proud to announce, in partnership with the HP Education Foundation, Jill Bellomy as the 2022 Howie Award honoree.