FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS) and the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) are recognizing Quinn Kilby, an eighth-grade student at Jefferson Middle School, as the winner of the systemwide ACPL Student Library Card design contest.
Kilby’s winning art was unveiled at the Jefferson Middle School Awards night on May 19 at Northrop High School. Kilby’s vibrant illustration of an astronaut reading in a colorful galaxy was selected to appear on the newest library card being distributed to FWCS students, symbolizing the limitless potential of reading and imagination.
ACPL Director of Partnerships and Programs Beth Boatright praised the initiative:
“This partnership strengthens our commitment to supporting the whole student, both in and out of the classroom. The creativity of FWCS students, especially Quinn, showcases how powerful access to the arts and learning can be. These designs reflect not only artistic talent but a deep love of reading and learning that we’re thrilled to nurture.”
ACPL representatives released the following:
The new student library cards are part of a new partnership between FWCS and ACPL aimed at expanding students’ access to educational resources. Through the ACPL Student Library Card program, students will enjoy free access to a wide array of learning tools, including books, tutoring services, test preparation, and digital learning platforms that complement the high-quality education offered within FWCS.
- Jefferson Middle School Media Specialist Dee Birch, FWCS Media Services Manager Michelle Houser, Winning Artist Quinn Kilby, ACPL Director of Partnerships and Programs Beth Boatright
- ACPL Director of Partnerships and Programs Beth Boatright, Jefferson Middle School Principal Nick Sharin, Winning Artist Quinn Kilby
The partnership launched earlier this spring with a pilot program at Towles Intermediate School this spring and will continue expanding to more schools in the 2025-26 school year.
In addition to Quinn Kilby, 20 talented student artists from across the district earned honorable mention for their outstanding designs.
These students will receive custom library cards featuring their art:
Ava Wakefield, Grade 4, Arlington Elementary
Sofia Mantilla, Grade 4, Adams Elementary
Angel Ramos, Grade 5, Adams Elementary
Holly Darvish, Grade 3, Croninger Elementary
Vallyn Yorko, Grade 4, Forest Park Elementary
Addilyn Froelich, Grade 4, Haley Elementary
Deverlynn Clemence, Grade 3, Harris Elementary
Hannah Adamson, Grade 5, Harrison Hill Elementary
Lucy Baugher, Grade 4, Irwin Elementary
Mariah Calhoun, Grade 4, Lindley Elementary
Emily Serrano, Grade 2, Maplewood Elementary
Addison Tilse Stone, Grade 8, Jefferson Middle
Raven Gilbert, Grade 5, Price Elementary
Nora Fennig, Grade 4, Towles Intermediate
Matilla Nella, Grade 11, Snider High
Indra Yee, Grade 9, Wayne High
Charlie Standiford, Grade 6, Kekionga Middle
Guadalupe Guzman, Grade 5, Weisser Park Elementary
Kailen Barnes, Grade 12, Wayne High
Lydia Swing, Grade 5, Weisser Park Elementary
The new ACPL Student Library Cards featuring Quinn Kilby’s winning design will begin circulating to students later this year. For more information about the partnership, visit acpl.info/student-library-cards.
The initiative is in line with the library’s 2024-28 strategic plan “Windows to Lifelong Learning and Discovery” which included a strategic goal of “exploring the expansion of the Student Success Library Card program to schools throughout Allen County”. This information can be found HERE
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