Sewickley Academy Librarian Honored with Prestigious Educator of the Year Award

Sewickley Academy is thrilled to announce that Lindsay Downs, Hansen Library Librarian, has been awarded the esteemed Alan C. Miller Educator of the Year Award. This prestigious award, presented by The News Literacy Project, is given to a recipient in recognition of their commitment to news literacy education and contributions to quality journalism. The News Literacy Project honors an educator, journalist, and student each year. These exceptional individuals distinguish themselves as champions for a more news-literate nation and a resilient free press – both of which are essential to protecting our democracy.

Lindsay Downs has been an integral part of the Sewickley Academy team for over four years, consistently demonstrating a passion for education and an unwavering commitment to enhancing the learning experiences of all patrons. Known for being an advocate for helping students become more savvy news consumers, Downs describes helping students discern fact from fiction as a “labor of love.”

“I am so excited to be receiving the Alan C Miller Educator of the Year award,” Downs told NLP in a video interview. She believes news literacy gives students agency inside and outside of the classroom. “It’s really amazing to empower others to be the managers of their own learning. You’re teaching people how to be independent learners, and that’s a very powerful thing.”

"We are incredibly proud of Lindsay for receiving this well-deserved award," said Dr. Ashley Birtwell, Head of School at Sewickley Academy. "Her dedication to education and news literacy has made a significant difference in the lives of many students, faculty, and staff at the Academy. This recognition is a testament to her hard work and passion."

The award was formally presented to Downs on Monday, June 3, 2024, at a ceremony in Washington D.C.

For more information about the Alan C. Miller Educator of the Year Award and recipient, Lindsay Downs, please visit https://newslit.org/updates/lindsay-downs-2024-alan-c-miller-educator-of-the-year/.