December 20, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Schlagle High Librarian Receives Champion of Opportunity Award

Shelia Blume, librarian at F.L. Schlagle High School, in Kansas City, Kansas, has received the 2007 Champion of Opportunity Award from the University of Kansas Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP).

The award is presented to individuals whose accomplishments and professional contributions to the KU EOP have been outstanding. Blume was honored on Dec. 7 at a professional development retreat held by the Institute for Educational Research and Public Service at KU.

Blume has directed the KCK INFOKIDS federal program serving 15 schools, as part of the No Child Left Behind act. She also has been instrumental in the success of the GEAR UP program at Schlagle. GEAR UP's goal is to increase the number students from low-income families who are prepared to enter and succeed at post secondary education. To provide these students with encouragement and support, Blume spent a portion of her library budget on materials such as career exploration manuals and ACT preparation guides to directly assist them. She also dedicated an area of the school's library to career and college exploration.

Blume was selected for the award by a committee composed of EOP staff members and an external reviewer from the KU School of Education.