The Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES School Library System (SLS) held its annual Celebration of School Libraries luncheon on Wednesday, May 21. The event was held at the Allen House on the SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College campus. This year’s event marks 30 years of recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of school libraries and the amazing things that happen when librarians have the support of their administrators. This annual celebration was established by retired SLS director, Deborah Booth.
Chris DePaulo, middle school principal at Canajoharie Central School District, was awarded with the library system’s Administrator of the Year award during the celebration. The Administrator of the Year award is given to an individual who exhibits leadership in recognizing the library media center as an integral part of the total school program and has an active personal involvement in the program.
DePaolo was nominated by Canajoharie school librarian Lauren Goldman who attributes her success as a librarian to DePaulo’s support, collaboration and trust in his staff to bring projects and new initiatives to life.
Canajoharie Superintendent, Dr. Nick Fitzgerald, commented on DePaulo’s professionalism and the autonomy he provides his faculty and staff.
“He’s a great collaborator who leads by example, he listens to his staff and delivers what they need to ensure our students get the best opportunities possible,” said Fitzgerald. “He’s a big supporter of bringing new and innovative experiences to our library and classrooms.”
The event also included special recognition of Dan Towne for receiving the Ken Smith Leadership Award. This award is presented to an individual in the community who displays outstanding leadership in elevating the HFM BOCES School Library System as a vital part of the regional educational system. Towne currently serves as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College after many years as a librarian in the college’s Evans Library. He was nominated by the School Library System council members.
Over the years Towne has made it his mission to help students successfully transition from high school to college by partnering with regional high schools to provide rich resources for research, exploration and a robust learning journey. Beyond that he has served as a vital bridge between the HFM region and the larger library network to ensure access to information far and wide.
“Dan’s quiet strength, his collaborative spirit, and his unwavering support for school libraries have made a lasting impact on all of us,” said HFM BOCES School Library System director, Kristi Beedon. “We are grateful for his incredible service, leadership and heart.”
The luncheon was attended by teachers, librarians and administrators from several districts within the HFM BOCES region.
