Chrystal Burkes, Media Specialist at Parkway Elementary School in Bryant.
A Bryant Public School employee earned state honors at a luncheon on Wednesday. The Arkansas Association of Instructional Media (AAIM) announced annual award winners at the 2021 AAIM Conference in Hot Springs. Chrystal Burkes, Parkway Elementary, was awarded Library Media Specialist of the Year.
Mrs. Burkes has been employed by the Bryant School District for the past eight years. She has served as the Library Media Specialist for Parkway Elementary since 2018, the year the school opened. Principal Michele Lewis nominated Mrs. Burkes for the award.
“Mrs. Burkes is one of the most creative and innovative individuals I have ever worked with in my career as a school administrator,” stated Lewis. “She incorporated her passion for literacy with her love of technology to establish an incredible library program. When students enter her library, they enter a space that allows their creativity, curiosity, and imagination to take them on amazing adventures. She has infused books, technology, and maker space activities into the Parkway Media Center to ensure our students leave our school with a lifelong love of learning,” said Mrs. Lewis.
Whether leading Think Tech Thursday training for teachers or organizing Cyber Stories for the school, Mrs. Burkes uses her creativity to bring literacy to life. Her ability to provide engaging lessons while infusing literacy and technology showcases her love for teaching.
“We are so happy to see Mrs. Burkes recognized with this statewide award. Bryant Public Schools and Parkway Elementary are pleased to have the top Library Media Specialist in Arkansas,” said Karen Walters, Bryant Superintendent.
Mrs. Burkes will represent Arkansas in the national competition sponsored by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology.