Educators from across the region gathered on Wednesday, May 20, for the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES School Library System (SLS) annual Celebration of School Libraries luncheon. The event was held at the Allen House on the SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College campus and brought together teachers, librarians, and administrators from across the HFM BOCES region.
The luncheon recognized several individuals for their work and commitment to school libraries.
– Maria Langford of the Greater Johnstown School District and Jennifer Reynolds of the Mayfield Central School District were presented with the Emerging Library Leader award. Both recently completed their Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degrees and are now fully certified school library media specialists.
– Rebecca Bieniek of the Northville School District received a Certificate of Appreciation for her years of service to the Northville Central School library. Her steady work has helped keep the library a welcoming and reliable space for students.
– Meg Kaminski of the Amsterdam School District was honored with the Library Support Star award for her ongoing support and dedication to the school library. Her work, both behind the scenes and alongside the librarian, has made a meaningful difference.
– Deidre Palmer of the Fonda-Fultonville Central School District was named Collaborative Teacher of the Year. She was recognized for consistently working closely with the school library program and supporting student learning through that partnership.
– Krystal Hammond of the Amsterdam School District received the Administrator of the Year Award for her strong support of school library programs. Her leadership has helped ensure that the library remains an important part of teaching and learning in her district.
According to HFM SLS Director Kristi Beedon, this year’s recipients represent a wide range of important roles in school libraries.
“These award winners represent the kind of steady, thoughtful work that helps school libraries succeed,” said HFM School Library System Director Kristi Beedon. “Whether they are leading, supporting, or working collaboratively, each of them shows a real commitment to students and to the role libraries play in their education.”
The luncheon served as a chance to recognize not only individual achievements, but also the important role school libraries continue to play in supporting students and staff throughout the region.
