A Lexington-Richland School District Five librarian has been named the School Librarian of the Year for the Midlands region by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL).
Rachel DiMaria serves as the Media Specialist at Lake Murray Elementary School. She will now compete to become the South Carolina Librarian of the Year.
“This award inspires me to keep focusing on my purpose as a librarian here at Lake Murray Elementary,” DiMaria said. “My hope is for all children to find joy in reading.”
The School Librarian of the Year awards program honors one full-time librarian from each of the four regions in South Carolina- Lowcountry, Midlands, PeeDee, and Upstate. The four regional winners are recognized as finalists for the state award. Regional winners must submit an additional award submission and will schedule an online interview with the Awards Committee in January. One state winner will be chosen from the four regional winners who will serve as the SCASL School Librarian of the Year (SLOY).
The purpose of the award is to recognize certified school librarians who have made an outstanding contribution to school libraries in South Carolina by building an exemplary library program and serving as an active SCASL member. Exemplary library programs are those defined as reflecting the themes of collaboration, leadership, and technology integration as outlined in National School Library Standards for Learners. Qualities of exemplary programs include outstanding and effective support of student learning through well-rounded, innovative, and comprehensive program administration; effective collaborative partnerships with teachers in both teaching and learning; and information access.
DiMaria has a Masters in Library Information Science from the University of South Carolina and 15 years of experience in education. Her undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Arts in Information Science in Elementary Education, but she also has a certificate in Early Childhood Education and acquired National Board status in 2003.
“Mrs. DiMaria is so much more than a Media Specialist,” said Lake Murray Elementary School Principal Kelly Reese. “She is a teacher, learner, and leader. She inspires our teachers and students to grow in their love of reading, while always introducing new authors and genres to us all.”
The regional winners will be recognized at the SCASL annual conference in March where the SCASL School Library of the Year will be announced.
