South Carolina Association of School Librarians Honors Two Laurens County Educators
February 10, 2021
The South Carolina Association of School Librarians will celebrate librarians, libraries, administrators, support staff, and students during its 46th Annual SCASL Conference in March. Two of the top honors for their professional awards went to Laurens educators this year. The winners were surprised at their schools by the association’s Awards Chair and corporate award sponsors.
Administrator of the Year: George Marshall, Joanna Woodson Elementary, Laurens 56
Eddie Marshall
The competition for this award was very tough this year, but Mr. Marshall stood out to the committee because of his continued commitment to literacy and how he supports the role of the school library and the school librarian in promoting literacy. Mr. Marshall has partnered with his school librarian to build a library collection that is current and robust in addition to supporting the teachers in building classroom libraries. He leads by example in reading during morning announcements, investing funds for author and illustrator visits, helping to stock a book vending machine and little free library, giving books as gifts to students, and sharing literacy tips at family events. The relationship between the school librarian and school administrators is so valuable when we are helping our students build a love for reading so we are excited to celebrate Mr. Marshall. Mr. Marshall was nominated by librarian, Tina Hurley, and the award was sponsored by Follett School Solutions.
Michelle Spires
School Librarian of the Year: Michelle Spires, Gray Court Owings School, Laurens 55
Michelle Spires was chosen by the committee because of her diligent work as the librarian for Gray Court Owings School. Michelle has shown her creativity in collaborating with teachers by creating Breakout box activities about plagiarism, researching animal adaptations with databases then designing their own animal with unique adaptations, and connecting students to community resources like the Clemson Extension office for science labs and activities. Her innovative programming including the Book A Day traveling book bags, book buddies, and the makerspace help make Gray Court Owings a wonderful school. She has proven to be a lifelong learner by attending and leading webinars and attending workshops like the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary sources workshop. She has been a devoted member of the SC Association of School Librarians; serving as one of our first Emerging Leaders, a Junior Book Award committee member, and Advocacy committee chair. The SC Association of School Librarians is excited to celebrate Michelle and her work. This award was sponsored by Follett School Solutions.
The South Carolina Association of School Librarians promotes public awareness of the profession and its services by honoring and recognizing exemplary performance and programs of professionals within schools and districts across South Carolina who make the school library an integral part of their school.
Contact Information: Tamara Cox, Awards Chair, [email protected]
