Librarian Sherry Landry has effected the lives of many students over the last decade-plus, helping make reading a fun activity for children and youth in the community. (Submitted photo/Light of Christ Catholic Schools)

By Martin Martinson

Making a difference

Holy Family’s Sherry Landry receives Connie Acton Award of Merit

May 20, 2021 | 2:00 PM

Local educator, Sherry Landry has been named the recipient of the Connie Acton Award of Merit for 2021.

A member of the school division for over 20 years– the last 12 of which have been spent as assistant librarian at Holy Family – Landry’s award serves as recognition for her significant contributions to school library service in Saskatchewan.

Reflecting on the honour, Landry said the award is something she takes to heart, and won’t soon forget.

“It really means the world,” she told battlefordsNOW. “I honestly didn’t even know about this award and it was a surprise and a shock [to win it] but it felt just heartfelt, totally. I love my job truly and it’s a passion of mine, and it’s nice to be recognized.”

Landry has been instrumental in helping to organize and run a number of programs, contests and games to do with reading at the local school, including the accelerated reader program, the library club, and battle of the books, among others.

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When asked what inspires her to continue to create new and fun ways to get kids reading after 12 years, Landry’s answer is simple yet delivered with the passion and enthusiasm with which she has become synonymous throughout the school’s halls.

“It’s the students, 100 per cent,” Landry said. “Just watching them grow, and get hooked on reading is the best thing ever.”

“In January when the Kindergarteners and Grade 1’s get starting to read they’ll sit there and they’ll read to you and they’re so proud; or when you get a Grade 7 that’s a reluctant reader and they can all of the sudden find that one book that hooks them, that’s the most important thing.”

Never one to bask in her own accomplishments, Landry said she is grateful to have been able to work with the many fellow staff and administrators who have allowed her to shine in her position.

“It’s a tremendous honour to me to be recognized in this way and I couldn’t have done it without the administrators I’ve had over the years that have let me fly and do my thing and be successful at it,” she said. “I work with a great division, and a great school; and the kids, I love them with all my heart.”

Vice principal at Holy Family Elementary, Callie Combres said they as a school community could not be happier to see Landry get some recognition for all the hard work she does.

“Sherry is very deserving of this award; she always goes above and beyond to make sure that the students are reading and really enjoying what they’re reading,” Combres said. “She always finds a way to make it fun and get them engaged and she is definitely a huge part of why our kids love the library and love books. We truly appreciate everything she does here, and we’re very proud of her.”

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1