Friday, September 3, 2010

The Book Fairy's Magic


I vividly remember the first day I met KK Cherney. I had been surplussed from a school I loved and had been sent to work at a new school being built. I was nervous about meeting my new principal and so uncertain about what my future held. She greeted me with a 1000 watt smile and the warmest hey and sincerest welcome you’ve ever heard at the door of our first assembly as a faculty and my life has never been the same. The pit in my stomach turned to anticipation of something that was sure to be exciting if she was involved. In looking back over the last 13 years, exciting isn’t quite the right word – the experience is more like electrifying! I fell in love with her instantly. I can also promise you that everyone, grown or not, who has met her could share a near identical story.


She understands the importance of relationships and seeks to know and love every child she serves. She is routinely sought out by students for celebrations of a goal achieved, help in completing a difficult task, or for a hug and reassurance that everything will be ok during times of disappointment and sadness. One of the greatest honors I receive is when a child mistakenly calls me Mrs. KK – I wish! She engages authors, illustrators, business partners, and community members in joining our mission to create truly meaningful learning experiences for children. She doesn’t know the word “no” and sees every obstacle to success as a mere challenge.

I have never known an educator more passionate about creating a love of books in children. Her passion for the written word is contagious. From enthralling story times, that almost surely involve costuming or props, to her engagement of students in the use of Web 2.0 tools every child loves the learning time spent with Mrs. KK. Our “Book Fairy” routinely spends every dime of the profits from our Book Fairs each year buying and placing books in the hands of those who might not have them otherwise. She worked this past year to create an offsite library in one of our largest neighborhoods so that families could get their hands on books after the school day and throughout the summer.

I was not surprised to find out this summer that she had been nominated for and selected as one of the five finalists for the Alferd Williams Literacy Award given by Scholastic to honor those who inspire a love of reading. Alferd Williams enrolled in first grade at the age of 70 after a lifetime of illiteracy to make good on a promise he had made to his mother to learn to read. In my book there is no one more more suited for or deserving of this honor than KK Cherney. Please visit www.scholastic.com/literacyaward to place your vote for Chets Creek Elementary’s Book Fairy, KK Cherney!

13 comments:

KK Cherney said...

Tear-filled eyes and speechless... I am honored to serve one of the best principals and schools in the nation. Thank you for allowing me to fly high as your "Book Fairy".

Anonymous said...

KK is the most deserving person! She has the warmest heart :) I know she will win!
Laurie Thomson

Anonymous said...

KK is the best! I wish I had a camera to take a picture of my Kindergarteners today when they entered the Media Center and met KK for the first time. They couldn't keep their eyes off her! She deserves this award!
~Vicky Cole

Olivia Brown said...

Awww this post was so touching!
School is definitely teahing me a lot about myself, and I really appreciate teachers who actually have a love to guide their students.
I felt obliged to vote for her.
Give her all my love. I'll encourage as many people as I can to vote for her, she truly is a blessing in more ways than anyone can imagine.
We need more people like her.
xx

Mrs. Jennifer Zawis said...

KK is a ray of sunshine each and every day. Her positivity is contagious. She most certainly deserves this award!

Suzanne said...

KK is one of kind! And, loved by all. I know her network will come through for her in voting for this deserving award.

Anonymous said...

There isn't just one word to describe KK. 'Awesome' is not enough to capture her smile, her warmth, her enthusiasm, her no nonsense attitude to get the job done, and all her 'drama'. There is only one KK and I know I am fortunate to have the pleasure of knowing such an awesome Book Fairy. I guess there is only one way to describe her: “KK” – that alone speaks volumes! Award or not, she’s already a winner in my book. VOTE FOR KK!

~ Patricia Wallace

Anonymous said...

To say they broke the mold is truly uderstating KK's unique qualities.

The bunny with the bass drum has nothing on KK;remebered by thousands and loved by all!

Peace,

T-Cubed

JJ Brown said...

KK touched my life in my childhood as my amazing and exciting baby sitter. You can't imagine how I felt when I found out that I would be working in the same school. She is so deserving! I will keep voting! Love our KK.

dayle timmons said...

I have a million "KK" stories about the way she has touched the hearts of children and adults. One of things that most impresses me is that when I am out and about and someone finds out that I am from Chets Creek, they always ask about KK - "Is that Book Fairy lady still there?" I rememebr when I was at Chets Creek - hey- what's Miss KK up to?" "My children went to Chets and I just loved that Media Specialist!" In a thousand different versions, anyone that has ever been to Chets ALWAYS remembers KK! We love you KK! You are the heart and soul of Chets Creek!

Anonymous said...

KK is an inspiration to us all, young and old alike! She's got my vote!

Patti Bass

Dorry Lopez said...

KK makes you feel special, valued, like you are the most important person in the world at the time of your interaction with her. She takes time to look in your eyes, listen to you, show you that she cares, and will do anything she can to help you. She is real and genuine. KK brings tears of joy to me, as I feel so loved whenever I am around her. She has an aura of radiant light, positiveness, love, friendliness, and is filled with everything good in this world. KK is one of a kind. I love her!
Dorry

Dorry Lopez said...

KK makes you feel special, valued, like you are the most important person in the world at the time of your interaction with her. She takes time to look in your eyes, listen to you, show you that she cares, and will do anything she can to help you. She is real and genuine. KK brings tears of joy to me, as I feel so loved whenever I am around her. She has an aura of radiant light, positiveness, love, friendliness, and is filled with everything good in this world. KK is one of a kind. I love her!
Dorry