Media release from Floyd County, GA Schools:
Brandy McKenzie has been named Floyd County Schools’ Library Media Specialist of the Year for 2025.
Mrs. McKenzie has served as the Library Media Specialist at Garden Lakes Elementary School for 12 years, and this is her twenty-ninth year in education. During her career at Garden Lakes Elementary, Mrs. McKenzie has served in many capacities, including being a part of the Garden Lakes’ leadership team, serving as a Reading Bowl coach, and leading an afterschool club called Girls in Pearls.
When asked about her work as a Library Media Specialist at Garden Lakes Elementary, Brandy stated, “I love my job! After 29 years, I still love my job like I did the first year I started teaching. I am an extension of the classroom, so what happens in the media center complements the classroom through our books and activities! The administration at Garden Lakes is amazing to work for, and they always show the highest support to me in the media center and the activities that I plan for the school. I love to create a magical space that is inviting and engaging to our students. Garden Lakes Elementary just finished celebrating Read Across America week, along with a Scholastic Book Fair! My favorite part of this job is getting to teach and instill the love of reading to the students at GLES.”
“We are thrilled to announce Mrs. McKenzie as the recipient of this year’s Media Specialist of the Year award, which recognizes the exceptional commitment and innovative contributions of our dedicated media specialists,” stated Celena Arrington, Director of Instructional Technology & Library Media. “Mrs. McKenzie fosters a love for reading, enhances digital literacy, and creates an engaging learning environment for her students every day. Her passion for connecting her students with books, resources, and technology not only enriches the school library but also empowers our students to thrive in an ever-evolving world. I would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. McKenzie, this year’s honoree, and thank her for her remarkable service to Floyd County Schools and the Garden Lakes Elementary School community.”
