Check It Out! Debra Ramsey Named 2025 HCPS Media Coordinator of the Year

Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS) is proud to announce that Debra Ramsey, Media Coordinator at Dana Elementary School, has been named the 2025 HCPS Media Coordinator of the Year.

This annual award recognizes an outstanding school media coordinator who goes above and beyond in fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity, and connection within their school community.

At Dana Elementary, Ms. Ramsey is recognized for her ability to make the media center a hub of learning and support for the entire school. She not only cultivates a love for reading and lifelong learning among students but also plays a critical role in supporting teachers with instructional resources, managing the school’s Chromebooks and technology, and empowering students to thrive in a digital world.

Ms. Ramsey has also been instrumental in Dana’s implementation of the Leader in Me program. As a co-chair on the school’s Staff Lighthouse Team, she helps develop and guide the Culture Band to strengthen Dana’s positive school environment. Alongside Principal Amy Cleveland, Ms. Ramsey leads the Student Lighthouse Team, ensuring that students build leadership capacity by overseeing various leadership roles across campus.

She has even reimagined the library itself, renaming it the “Dana Research Center” to reflect the wide range of opportunities it provides. Students visit not only to discover books they love, but also to explore and research content that supports Dana’s CKLA literacy curriculum and their own reading growth.

In addition to her library and leadership roles, Ms. Ramsey also serves as one of Dana’s social media managers, using her creativity to showcase the vibrant learning and community spirit at Dana Elementary.

Principal Amy Cleveland praised Ms. Ramsey’s wide-reaching impact:

“Ms. Ramsey keeps our library buzzing with excitement for reading, but her influence goes far beyond books. She’s the go-to person for problem-solving, technology, and innovation at Dana. She supports our teachers, empowers our students, and helps tell the story of our school to the community.”

Peers from Henderson County’s 23 schools nominate and vote for the district’s Media Specialist of the Year, ensuring that the honor reflects the collective respect and admiration of colleagues across the district. Nominees must also be active members of the North Carolina School Library Media Association (NCSLMA), a professional organization dedicated to empowering school librarians as they transform their school communities.

Superintendent Mark R. Garrett congratulated Ms. Ramsey on this recognition:

“Media coordinators like Ms. Ramsey are the heartbeat of their schools. From sparking a love of reading to ensuring access to technology, she embodies the best of what we hope for in our educators. Her leadership at Dana shows how school libraries remain central to student success.”