The HFM School Library System (SLS) honored a number of educators at its 29th annual Celebration of School Libraries luncheon on Thursday, May 2. The event was held at the Allen House on the SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College campus.
Cory Cotter, Principal of Pleasant Avenue Elementary School (grades PK-1) in the Greater Johnstown 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.
Nykole Pertell, the Library Media Specialist at Pleasant Avenue Elementary School, nominated Cotter for the award. Pertell described Cotter as a supportive administrator.
“Cory understands the time needed to maintain the library and ensures that I have that time so the library can remain orderly and inviting to students and staff,” said Pertell.
Pertell’s nomination also highlighted Cotter as a compassionate person who puts the students and staff’s needs first. She also stated that it was Cotter who gave her the confidence to be creative in her role as a media teacher.
“She encourages collaboration between the library and the classroom, which is very important for student development. She is also a promoter of the literacy program and has allowed me to serve as the chairperson for the literacy committee,” Pertell added.
