Mill Creek MS Educator Named CCSD Media Specialist of the Year

Mill Creek Middle School’s media center is a magical place, according to its principal, and the reason is its amazing library media specialist.

“Kim is truly the heart of her library, fostering positive and meaningful relationships with both students and teachers,” Principal Justin Sanderson said.  “She creates meaningful media experiences that inspire curiosity and learning.  Whether it's hands-on activities where students discover new skills, engaging lessons on research and technology, or special visits from therapy dogs that bring joy to both students and teachers, she constantly finds innovative ways to make the library a dynamic and welcoming space.”

Kim George was surprised today with the news she is the Cherokee County School District’s Library Media Specialist of the Year, announced by Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis and School Board Chair Janet Read Welch.  

She was awarded a $500 Visa gift card, plaque and banner, with the costs sponsored by Credit Union of Georgia, a CCSD Partner, during the surprise presentation also attended by district senior leadership team members, and Ms. George’s colleagues, family, and friends.  Ms. George now advances to represent CCSD in the regional competition, from which she could move on to the state contest. 

CCSD’s media specialists serve far beyond their role as library managers -- they are certified educators who teach students about literacy, technology, research, digital citizenship, and more. Like their classroom teacher counterparts, their instructional talent is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile for students is unmatched.  Thank you to our School Board for its laser focus on ensuring our students are learning more, growing more, and achieving more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else!  

All CCSD media specialists were eligible for the award.  Ms. George was selected as the winner from a pool of outstanding nominees by a judging committee of retired educators and community leaders.

“I seek to promote a culture of belonging where students can enter and collaborate on a project or experience, where the staff of my school can enter and bounce an idea around, and perhaps most importantly, where anyone can enter and escape to another world through the magic of reading.  To promote my mission, I have taken intentional steps to cultivate my vision by taking the time to create meaningful relationships with students and teachers,” Ms. George said.  “Building meaningful relationships is the foundation of a welcoming library environment.  When students are given opportunities to share their voices, such as helping select books, suggesting furniture, or choosing bookmark designs, they develop a sense of ownership and pride.  These contributions help students feel that they are not just visitors, but active participants in shaping their learning environment.”

Ms. George earned her education degree from Kennesaw State University and a master’s in education degree and library science certification from the University of West Georgia.  Her additional school roles include serving on its leadership committee, sponsoring the Tome Club and coaching its reading bowl team, representing faculty on the PTSA committee, and supporting the PTSA Ambassador's Club.  Ms. George also is one of four school media specialists selected to serve on the CCSD Media Specialist Leadership Team.  Among her numerous honors, she has earned the Cherokee County Council PTA 2024 Visionary Award and been named the River Ridge Zone Media Specialist of the Year.

In addition to leading a Tome student reading club for 10 years, Ms. George also leads a book club for teachers.  “My Faculty Book Club gives teachers a chance to relax, recharge, and connect in a fun and laid-back way,” she said. “There are years where I’ve added a popular middle school book to the lineup, so teachers can bond with students over a book that’s in our library.”

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