The award was presented during the School Library System year-end meeting by Brian Mayer, coordinator of the Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES (E2CCB) School Library System and Media Services. Now in its third year, the award recognizes regional school library professionals for outstanding work in instruction and service.

The honor also highlights the growing role that school libraries play in supporting the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, which emphasizes skills such as critical thinking, communication, and civic readiness.

Whitton said the recognition really comes back to teamwork.

“I would not be able to do what I do without the incredible support of Southwestern’s administration, our elementary teachers, my fellow district librarians, and our library paraprofessional,” he said.

With nine years in education, eight at Southwestern, Whitton said the best part of the job is watching students get excited about learning. He also talked about how much the library role has changed.

“Today’s library is so much more than what many of us grew up with,” Whitton said. “We’re building a love of reading, but we’re also teaching digital citizenship, coding, research, and media literacy.”

Whitton was nominated by Kaitlin Ring, director of instructional services at Southwestern, who praised his leadership in literacy programs, staff book clubs, and events like Literacy/STEAM Night, Read Across America Week, author visits, and book fairs. She also highlighted his work on the district’s Artificial Intelligence Committee.

The award recognizes Whitton’s impact not only in the elementary school but across the regional library community.

Speaking to the School Library System at the LoGuidice Educational Center, Whitton reflected on the importance of professional community in a field where librarians often work independently.

“Even when we’re physically alone as the only librarian in our building, we’re never really doing this work alone,” he said, noting the value of shared ideas, support, and connection among librarians.

He credited early mentors at Falconer, as well as colleagues at Southwestern, and thanked district leadership for consistently supporting the library program. He also acknowledged his family for their encouragement.

Looking ahead, Whitton said he hopes to keep building a library program that connects a love of reading with growing skills in technology, research, and media literacy. He also encouraged continued support for public libraries, noting his involvement with the Kennedy Free Library and the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System.