And the Winners Are . . . Texas ACEI and Florida Gulf Coast University ACEI Win Branch Awards

The new Branch at Florida Gulf Coast University, Eagles Educate, won the ACEI Branch Award for Best Professional Development Workshop/Conference in recognition of their February 12 conference, "Mission Towards Education: Pedagogy and Practice." The meeting was planned and hosted in collaboration with Florida ACEI and the SW Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) Partnership.

For a description of their conference, please read the Program Development column on page 292-J.

Texas ACEI received the ACEI Branch Award for Best Global Focus Project for "Development of a Children's Library and Learning Center at Pueblo de Dios, Reynosa, Mexico." Starting with a vision, a $1,000 state grant, and some very hardworking volunteers, Anna McArthur, Texas State President, has succeeded in opening a Children's Library and Learning Center, including books, educational software, and a computer lab. The project was first conceived in March 2004 and opened its doors in January 2005.

The Children's Library and Learning Center is an ongoing project for Texas ACEI, one that they hope will be a major benefit to children in Mexico. Yellow Rose ACEI Branch at Texas A&M University-Kingsville collected approximately 100 books for the library. Many more books are needed, as well as pictures, posters, and computer games. Branches looking for projects in the coming year can contact Anna McArthur at Kfapm00@tamuk.edu for information about participating in this project.

The awards were presented at the ACEI Annual Business Meeting on March 25, during the 2005 Conference in Washington, DC. Congratulations to the members of Eagles Educate/Florida Gulf Coast University ACEI and Texas ACEI.