Walpole’s Teagan McNicholas, a student at Old Post Road Elementary School, recently earned 1st place in the Kindergarten & 1st Grade Division of the 2026 Massachusetts School Library Association Bookmark Contest.
The award was announced on Sunday, March 29. The ceremony took place at An Unlikely Story bookstore, in Plainville. The bookstore is owned by Jeff Kinney, the author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
To reach the statewide competition, Teagan first competed at the school level, where her bookmark was selected to advance. From there, she went on to the statewide contest, where the final submissions were judged by six celebrity authors from Massachusetts.
Teagan was incredibly excited, grateful, and honored to be part of such a special celebration. Her family shared in the joy of the moment, and her parents, sister, and brother could not be prouder of her accomplishment.
This recognition was also made even more special by the support of Walpole OPR librarian Lindsey Morris, who encouraged Teagan throughout the process and attended the ceremony to cheer her on. Teagan was very thankful for Mrs. Morris’s support, as well as for everyone who helped celebrate this exciting milestone.
This is a wonderful achievement and a proud moment for Teagan, her family, and the Walpole community.
(The above story and photos were submitted by Caitlin Murphy and edited for style.)
