Scarselli school librarian wins Jefferson Award

Scarselli Elementary School's librarian, Candy Rooney, won a Jefferson Award for her 20 years of service to the school and greater community.

"It's quite an honor," she said. "It's quite a surprise."

The Jefferson Awards were created in 1972 to recognize and honor individuals who make significant contributions through public and community service.

"A parent of one of my students nominated me," she said.

"For 11 years, I've run a preschool library for 3-5-year-olds. We do literacy-based stories and activities."

Rooney said the program has reached out to the community and provided children with a nice transition from home to a school setting.

"Just reading with a child is very important," she said.

Although she has worked at Scarselli for 20 years, Rooney said she's not ready to retire.

"I'm proud of what I do, and I enjoy it," she said.