School Librarian 'Stunned' to Receive Award

Ava Biffer, library media specialist at Nathan Hale-Ray Middle School in East Haddam, is the winner of the 2011 Connecticut Association of School Librarians Award. 

The Rheta Clark Award honors library media specialists who have served with distinction for 10 years or more and have made “outstanding contributions in the media field, have an extensive record of service, and have demonstrated through action, philosophy and speech a dedication to the goals and principles of the media profession.”

"I'm still a bit stunned to have won the award," Biffer says.

Jason Peacock, principal at the middle school, wrote the recommendation letter.  "Her extensive knowledge of literature and technology make her a valuable resource at our school and so deserving of this award," Peacock wrote.

He says Biffer routinely opens the school library to children during the summer.

"Ava has graciously given of her time to ... offer the community a place to seek literacy. This opportunity provides children a safe and cool respite from the summer heat, and Ava is that friendly librarian ready to assist in book selection and book discussions."

Roy J. Parker, assistant principal, says Biffer makes helping students and teachers a priority.

"Ava has been a mainstay with Nathan Hale-Ray Middle School since we opened our doors. She has helped hundreds and hundreds of students with research and assisting teachers with curriculum. You can always find her helping somebody — whether it is a student writing a research paper, a teacher developing an integrated project, or assisting the drama club with a production. Ava is the NHRMS library!"

Peacock says Biffer coveys her love of reading to all the students.

"She has helped a student become selected as an actual reader for the Nutmeg selection, something that signifies Ava’s devotion to reaching out beyond herself and her job. She is dedicated to readers."

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