SCBWI Member of the Year: Alexis O'Neill

Alexis O'Neill, author

The SCBWI has a huge number of volunteers who make an extraordinary difference for the children's writing community.

This year's Member of the Year is Alexis O'Neill, who writes picture books and a column for the SCBWI Bulletin. She also has a PhD in teacher education. She's been a volunteer for the organization for 18 years in the Central California Coastal Region, whom she thanked for their enthusiasm.

Traditionally, Alexis starts every conference with a song. Lin made her bust out her pipes as she accepted the award.

"All I know is a really raunchy sea shanty," Alexis said, with understandable reluctance the audience overrode.

She taught us the one who do when you hoist the anchor (we think that's not a euphemism). She sang. We said, "Yaa!" at appropriate intervals. And we meant it in every way. Congratulations and thanks, Alexis!