2025 Scholarship Winners
Florida Library Association Scholarship Winners
The Florida Library Association (FLA) Awards and Honors Committee is pleased to announce the 2025 scholarship winners. The scholarship recipients will be recognized at the 2025 Annual Conference at the Hilton Doubletree SeaWorld Orlando on Friday, May 16th.
Kelsie Burnard has been a dedicated employee of the Manatee County Public Library System since 2022, working as a Youth Library Assistant. Originally from Upstate New York, Kelsie’s passion for youth librarianship began when she volunteered at Crandall Public Library during her teenage years. After relocating to Florida to be closer to family, she continued to pursue her passion, balancing her current role at the library with her studies. Kelsie is now working towards a Master of Science in Information at Florida State University, eager to further her impact on the next generation of young readers.
In her own words:
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Florida Library Association for supporting my lifelong aspiration of becoming a Youth Librarian through this scholarship. This recognition provides me with a valuable opportunity to advance my career and positively impact the lives of future generations. As a future youth librarian, I aim to inspire my community in the same way I was supported and encouraged during my own childhood."
Yasmin Teja was born in Zanzibar, raised in Kenya, speaks Swahili, and is a dedicated advocate for education and community service. Yasmin earned her A.A. as an international student, transferred to FAU to complete her MBA degree on dual scholarships and launched a successful career in Accounting and Finance. She later earned her MA in Reading Education and taught Reading as an adjunct professor at Broward College. Now a Library Specialist for Broward County Libraries, she champions literacy, Storytime and outreach programs. Yasmin made the Broward College Alumni Spotlight, where she was invited as a guest speaker and has been recognized with several awards throughout her career, including the Community Service Award from Charles Drew Family Resource Center and the Broward College Unsung Hero Award. She is currently pursuing a master’s in library science at USF.
What the scholarship means to me:
“Receiving the USF Bernadette Storck Scholarship is an incredible honor that affirms my passion and commitment to the field of librarianship. As I pursue my master’s in library and information science, this scholarship not only provides vital financial support, but also strengthens my resolve to champion literacy and inclusive, community-centered library services. It is a privilege to be gifted with the USF Bernadette Storck Scholarship, and I aspire to pay it forward."
I am a born and raised Floridan. My love of libraries began with volunteering at my local library throughout middle and high school. I want to have the same positive impact on others as my childhood library had on me. I currently work as a library assistant at Sebring Public Library assigned to the children's area. My goal is to be a public librarian with a particular focus on youth services.
What this scholarship means to me:
I am very grateful for the FLA scholarship to help ease the financial stress of continuing my education. Yet, more than the monetary gain, I appreciate the validation of this award. Even though I’ve dreamed of being a librarian since I was thirteen, I struggle sometimes to feel my work is meaningful. This recognition doesn’t just affirm that my work is valued but that experts and peers in my field are invested in my future. The world is facing so many challenges right now. Knowing that the library community of my home state believes in me is something that gives me the confidence to stay on my path to becoming a librarian.
