Alana Lewis was going about her business inside Sangaree Middle’s library when there was a sudden rush of school administrators, district officers and a few other visitors, coming straight toward her and eager to shower her with love – and lots of flowers.
Lewis, the school’s librarian, was perplexed at first but her confusion quickly changed to excitement as she realized why she was being surprised at work: she has been named the Lowcountry Regional Librarian of the Year by the South Carolina Association for School Librarians (or just SCASL).
Winning this title puts Lewis in the running for the State Librarian of the Year along with three other regional winners.
She was pleasantly overwhelmed receiving the surprise at school; along with two vases of flowers, SCASL members presented her with a certificate recognizing her as the Lowcountry Regional School Librarian of the Year.
“I’m really excited and grateful,” Lewis said.
SCASL is the only school library organization in the state. Lewis is a board member for SCASL, serving as the Chair of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the past three years.
Lewis has worked in Sangaree Middle’s library for four years. She started in school libraries in 2015; before that, she worked in the academic library at the College of Charleston.
She has loved her previous librarian experiences, but Lewis particularly dotes on her role at Sangaree Middle.
“It’s really exciting to be in a place where I’m able to run the program that I know I’m capable of running,” she said.
Sangaree Middle Principal Shawn McCombs said Lewis is fully committed to her students and creates a safe space where the children can explore their interests.
“She’s so smart,” McCombs said. “We’re just so glad to have her. We want the best for our kids, and I feel like she’s the best.”