Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools recognized two media coordinators as the 2026 New and Outstanding Media Coordinators of the Year for National Library Week, which was celebrated April 19-25. National Library Week is an annual celebration that highlights the valuable role libraries and library professionals play in transforming lives and strengthening communities.

 

New Media Coordinator of the Year - Jordyn Micun, Governors’ Village STEM Academy (Upper Campus) 

What Jordyn Micun loves most about her role as a media coordinator is helping students dive into their interests through the school’s wide range of print and digital resources. Micun said it’s a privilege to collaborate with staff and the community to ensure the school’s media center remains a vibrant, resourceful space where every student has the tools they need to succeed both in school and at home.

“I find so much joy in curating high-quality materials and activities that empower our students to be future-ready, critical thinkers,” said Micun.

From day one, Principal Jeffrey Cook said Micun set out to rebuild the school’s media center into an essential school hub with “vision, purpose and extraordinary professionalism.” Now, in her two and a half years with the school, the space serves as a central pillar of instruction, collaboration, creativity and community engagement.

“In every facet of her work, Ms. Micun exemplifies excellence, innovation and heart,” said Cook. “She has restored the media center as the intellectual center of our school, empowered teachers, engaged families and inspired students. She is the model of what a New Media Coordinator should be, and she is exceptionally deserving of this recognition.”

Micun said it's an honor to be recognized as the New Media Coordinator of the Year and that the recognition is a reflection of the vibrant energy of the school’s community.

“To me, this award isn’t just a personal milestone,” said Micun. “It’s a celebration of our school’s library as the heart of the school — a vital hub for innovation and discovery. It validates the essential work we do every day to bridge the gap between traditional literacy and digital exploration. Most importantly, it highlights how crucial a well-supported media program is to student success, and it inspires me to keep finding creative ways to support our students, staff and families.”

 

Outstanding Media Coordinator of the Year - Melissa Carpenter, Mint Hill Elementary School 

Being recognized as the 2026 Outstanding Media Coordinator of the Year is a true honor for Melissa Carpenter. Carpenter began her 25-year career as an English teacher before transitioning to her role as a media coordinator, which she has done for the last 10 years. When Mint Hill Elementary School opened four years ago, Carpenter was there to build the school’s library programming from the ground up.

“I made the move from the classroom to the library because I love helping kids find the books they love and sparking a life-long love of reading,” said Carpenter. “Keeping a current, relevant collection and engaging my community through programming are all pieces in my ultimate goal, which is to inspire our students and staff to read more. When students want to come to the library and genuinely enjoy their time here, it helps to build a positive relationship between them and reading/books.”

Principal Frederick Mohrien said Carpenter is always finding ways to encourage students and staff to read — whether it be through reading contests, celebrations or author visits — but one of the most important things Carpenter is able to do, Mohrien said, is listen to what the school wants to see in the media center. That ability allows her to transform the space into a reflection of Mint Hill Elementary’s community. 

“Mrs. Carpenter builds connections with specific content areas, not just providing books to teachers, but also ensuring students can find books about topics they are learning about and that teachers are aware of the resources that they can access through the media center to help their students grow," said Mohrein. "Mrs. Carpenter is exceptional at this not just because of her extensive knowledge and skills, but because she seeks to build authentic relationships with every teacher, every student and every family that she can.”

Carpenter said she loves what she does and that it’s an honor to be recognized alongside her colleagues who she enjoys collaborating with.

“To all of our educators, I see you, you’re important and you’re doing wonderful things just by continuing to show up to work every day,” said Carpenter. “The work we do is important and it makes an impact on the lives of students every day.”