June 3, 2025

Dr. Mernie Maestas, librarian at Boone Trail Elementary in the Wentzville School District (WSD), has been awarded the 2025 Missouri Association of School Librarians (MASL) Special Service Award.

The MASL Special Service Award recognizes a MASL member who has provided significant service to the organization and/or school libraries.

Dr. Maestas has a distinguished history of leadership within MASL, having served as its president. She is the lead librarian for the WSD and has held numerous other leadership roles within MASL. Her prior accolades include the MASL Intellectual Freedom Award and two MASL Bright Idea Awards. Additionally, Dr. Maestas is the immediate past president of the Greater St. Louis Region of School Librarians, represents MASL on the Missouri Advisory Council of Certification for Educators (MACCE) Council, and is an adjunct professor at the University of Central Missouri (UCM).