Contact: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Harrison Elementary Principal Tammie Franks will receive the Service Award for School Administrators from the Kentucky School Media Association.

“Tammie was selected for her strong support of our school library, literacy program and reading initiatives here at Harrison,” said librarian Sharon Ledford, who nominated her. “All I have to do is suggest it, and not only is she supportive – she joins in.”

Among the efforts at Harrison are the Battle of the Books, which pits students against staff; the Reading Extravaganza book clubs; and the Passport to Reading program, which encourages children and families to read together. Franks also leads a “book talk” moment on the school’s morning news show and includes book suggestions in her staff newsletter.

“It’s pretty easy to be supportive when you’ve got teachers who are so willing,” Franks said. “We want to make sure the kids know how important reading is to improving their lives – not just academically, but emotionally and socially, too.”

The Kentucky School Media Association is the professional organization of school library media specialists across the state. Franks will receive a plaque during the group’s fall conference Sept. 15-18 in Louisville.