Vermont Humanities has awarded the 2024 Victor R. Swenson award to Meg Allison, a librarian and teacher at U-32 Middle and High School in Montpelier.
Named after the organization’s first executive director, the award recognizes a Vermont educator who exemplifies excellence in the teaching of the humanities.
Allison was given the award— which includes a $1000 gift to use in any manner she desires —at the Teen Lit Mob celebration held at Brattleboro Union High School on May 1. She accepted the award in the company of a group of students that she had brought to Vermont’s only teen literary festival.
Rebecca Tatistcheff, the Principal of U-32 Middle and High School, wrote in her nomination letter, “What truly sets Meg apart is her ability to take risks in her teaching. She is not afraid to explore new and innovative ideas that challenge traditional educational norms.”
She continued, “Meg is a true embodiment of the Swenson Award’s mission to honor educators who make a lasting and positive difference in the lives of their students and their communities.”
Director of Programs Ryan Newswanger said, “Many of us at Vermont Humanities have worked with Meg on author visits, on Teen Lit Mob events, and on various state library boards. We have all been impressed by her intelligence, energy, and unwavering commitment to justice and equity.”
