Rockford — Library leaders at Rockford Public Schools believe in the power of the page, and the necessity of preserving school libraries even when they’re under attack in the district and beyond.
“All Americans have a right to read,” said George Wilson, media specialist at Rockford High School. “To read freely and expansively. Including students in schools.”
Wilson and two of his colleagues have been recognized by the Michigan Association of School Librarians for their commitment to supporting high-quality school libraries in the state.
During the MASL’s conference in late October, Wilson received the Ruby Brown Award for Individual Excellence; Lakes Elementary Principal Matt Zokoe received the Service Award for School Administrators; and Alexa Lalejini, media specialist at Rockford Freshman Center, took home the Mary Ann Paulin Award for Reading Advocacy and the Pat Slocum Award for Meritorious Service to MASL.
Lalejini and Wilson both hold master’s degrees in library science, while Zokoe serves as Rockford’s director of library and media services.
‘The school library is a safe place for students to explore topics; use technology safely, ethically and responsibly; and to find books that they connect with and enjoy reading.’
— Alexa Lalejini, Rockford Freshman Center media specialist
Why They Won
Lalejini said she received the Paulin award for cultivating a “reading culture” at the freshman center. That included adding more than 1,000 books to the library and upping the number of books circulated. She also said students reported an increase in their enjoyment of reading as compared to when they started at the school.
The Slocum award, Lalejini said, is due to advocacy work she’s done with the MASL “to try to help all Michigan students have equitable access to a certified school librarian.”
The Ruby Brown award is for outstanding contributions toward creative or constructive programs that advance school library services. Wilson, who has been an MASL member throughout his 30-plus-year career, said he considers it “recognition that I have met and exceeded professional standards in librarianship.”
“MASL’s long time mission statement has been, ‘Mentor all. Maximize each,’” Wilson said. “I feel this is recognition that I have achieved that over the course of my career.”
The Service Award for School Administrators is meant to recognize administrators who make unique or sustained contributions toward furthering the role or scope of school libraries and media centers. Zokoe attributes his receipt of the award, in part, to his work to obtain grants that added certified library personnel to the district, as well as his role in the opening of the new Edgerton Trails Elementary library, which had books on the shelves on its first day.
He also oversaw the 33rd year of the fifth-grade Battle of the Books competition, which challenges teams of students to compete in a race to read 20 selected books.
‘Fundamental’ to Learning & Success
Each Rockford recipient stressed the importance of school libraries in education.
“School libraries are fundamental to student learning and success,” said Lalejini. “The school library is a safe place for students to explore topics; use technology safely, ethically and responsibly; and to find books that they connect with and enjoy reading.”
Zokoe echoed that sentiment, stating that libraries are safe spaces for students to learn, or “take an adventure through the pages of something that is high interest to them.”
He added that he sees his award as acknowledgment of the work of the entire media department at Lakes Elementary and Rockford as a whole.
“This award was a team award,” he said. “I was able to surround myself with an amazing staff. We have four exemplary status, state recognized SL21 media centers. There are few libraries on the west side of Michigan to be recognized in this way. This award exemplifies how a strong team can set goals and achieve them.”
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