The Celebration of Lifelong Learning is an annual fundraiser for Friends of the Homer Library which honors members of our community who both prioritize learning and have a passion for sharing their knowledge with others. The 2025 Lifelong Learner Award goes to Carol Comfort-Waldorf, nominated by Matthew Smith, who writes “She brings an abundance of excitement and enthusiasm to her teaching of piano, cooking and heath coaching. Her joy and laughter at leaning and discovery are infectious and inspire her students to stay engaged and improve their own learning and skills, and she in turn supports their growth through performances in the community at places like the Long-Term Care facility at South Peninsula Hospital and the Nutcracker Faire.”

The Youth Learner Award goes to Beatrix “Bea” McDonough, a senior at Homer High School who serves as senior class treasurer and co-president of the National Honor Society; runs varsity cross-country and varsity track. In Ann Dixon’s nomination she writes that Bea “is a terrific student with wide ranging interests and pursuits.” And that “She’s interested in subjects as diverse as neuroscience and law (and gardening).” Last summer Bea was the sole Alaska representative at the invitation-only National Youth Science Camp in West Virginia.  

The Celebration of Lifelong Learning will be held on Saturday, March 29, 6:30 pm at Homer Public Library. The evening will include appetizers by Vida’s Thai Food, desserts by Red Bird Kitchen, live music by Daniel Christ and Sophia Williams, a silent auction with fabulous prizes, sponsorships for youth participants of the Summer Reading Program, and of course, the Trivia Tree!

Tickets are on sale at the Homer Bookstore, the library and via Friends of the Library board members for $50.