HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (Oct. 9, 2023) – Carrie Cheek, the media and technology coordinator at Hendersonville Middle School, is Henderson County Public Schools’ Media Coordinator of the Year.
Cheek was made aware of the honor in a surprise visit to the Hendersonville Middle School media center Friday afternoon by the District leadership team, Principal Joni Allison, and family. 
“I enjoy the opportunity to be a bright spot in students’ and teachers’ day, and to support our students’ learning and growth over the course of their middle school career, which can be a really challenging time for many students,” shared Cheek. “I’m so honored to be recognized by my fellow library media specialists, who do amazing work serving their schools in so many ways.”
Despite starting her position just two months before schools were closed due to the pandemic, Cheek has shown exceptional resilience and efficiency throughout her three-year tenure. In addition to her responsibilities as media coordinator, she also sponsors the Girls EMpowered (GEM) club at the school, and works with the Battle of the Books team.
Principal Joni Allison commended Cheek for her passion in making the media center the heart of the school. “Ms. Cheek handles everyone who comes into her learning space with grace and compassion. She makes the media center a safe space where all students are welcomed. I am so glad her peers from other schools recognize how special she is for her tireless commitment to our students and our school community.”
Peers from Henderson County’s 23 schools nominate and vote for the media coordinator of the year. Nominations must be members of the North Carolina School Library Association. NCSLMA is a professional organization dedicated to supporting, promoting, and empowering school librarians across the state as they transform their school communities.
“We are excited to honor Ms. Cheek as the HCPS Media Coordinator of the Year. It is evident that the students and staff at Hendersonville Middle benefit from the nurturing environment and engaging atmosphere that she cultivates in her media center,” expressed Superintendent Mark R. Garrett. “Ms. Cheek’s commitment to finding innovative ways to engage students and staff, as well as collaboration with peers across the district, showcases her ongoing pursuit of excellence in her role.”
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