Willow Awards Gala
Saskatchewan Young Readers’ Choice – The Willow Awards invites schools/libraries to apply to host the Annual
What You Need to Know
- The Willow Awards Gala includes the announcement of the Willow Awards winners and the award presentations.
- It is a day event with author readings in the morning and the Gala and reception in the afternoon.
- There is a budget to bring one or more authors to the Gala to provide reading(s) to the host school or library. Accommodation costs and travel to Saskatchewan for authors will be covered by the Willow Board. Local transportation within Saskatchewan needs to be covered by the host school in consultation with the Willow Board.
- The Gala should be student-centered, involving students in a meaningful way.
- The Gala should not exceed 1 hour in length.
- The Gala should attract some media coverage.
- The Gala is live-streamed when possible.
- The SYRCA Board will reimburse the host school or library for expenses up to a stated limit (generally up to $500).
- The host school or library will receive a set of the 30 books nominated for that year, a willow tree and a commemorative plaque.
- The host school or library must be able to hold the Gala between the dates of May 21 and June 2. Applications outside of these dates may be considered.
- The Board of Directors of SYRCA will announce the successful Gala host in late November and provide them with a board liaison and a binder to help with planning.
Proposal Submission Details:
Please consider and include:
- Any ideas you have for getting students involved in reading the Willows prior to the Gala,
- Ideas for drama, musical presentations and/or visual art ideas that will be a part of the Gala program,
- Possible dignitaries who will be invited,
- Grade levels that will be involved in the gala presentation,
- Who will be on your planning team? – In the past, it has been helpful to have several people at the school/library involved in the planning and execution of the gala.
- Possible hotel accommodations for visiting authors – The cost of hotel accommodations and per diem meals for authors will be provided. These costs will be finalized in consultation with the board.
- Transportation arrangements to and from the airport and gala event for authors – Willow Board members are not available to do this and depending on distances some authors may not be comfortable on their own. Schools will need to coordinate transportation with the authors.
- Include the date during the time frame of May 21 to June 2 that the Gala will occur and the location. Applications outside of these dates may be considered.
- To apply to host the Annual Gala, please complete this form by November 13th.
Gala Proposal Submission Online Form:
Fill Out FormIn Lieu of the 2020 Willow Awards Gala
The COVID-19 pandemic prevented us from hosting a gala celebration in the spring of 2020. However, students in Annaheim, SK and Regina, SK had an opportunity to introduce us to the 2019 winning authors. Their videos are below:
2019 Shining Willow winner Cale Atkinson
2019 Diamond Willow winner Joel A. Sutherland
2019 Snow Willow winner Kelley Armstrong
2019 SaskEnergy Willow Awards Gala at St. Angela School, Saskatoon
2018 SaskEnergy Willow Awards Gala at Warman Community Middle School
2017 SaskEnergy Willow Awards Gala at Ecole Forest Grove School
2016 SaskEnergy Willow Awards Gala at MacNeill Elementary School
2024 SaskEnergy Willow Awards Gala Hosted by P.J. Gillen Elementary School
2023 SaskEnergy Willow Awards Gala Hosted by Perdue School
2022 SaskEnergy Willow Awards Virtual Gala Hosted by Regina Public Library
2021 SaskEnergy Willow Awards Virtual Gala Highlights at Wilfred Hunt School in Regina
The Award
2014 Gala – Willow tree presentation
2015 Gala – Winning Authors Lisa Harrington and David Carroll
2015 Gala – Musical Number at Assiniboia Park Elementary School, Weyburn
2016 Gala – Enjoying the reception at MacNeill School
2016 Gala – Rona Arato accepting her Diamond Willow Award
2017 Gala – Book presentation from ULS to Ecole Forest Grove School