INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK: Cynthia Cornett, Ocoee Elementary School

Cynthia Cornett is the media specialist at Ocoee Elementary School, and she also is considered an instructional staff member.

She teaches lessons and runs an enrichment group for fourth-graders. She also is charged with checking books in and out, shelving books, organizing the library collection and making displayed in the media center. She looks at data and researches new titles to add to the collection. 

Cornett runs the Scholastic Book Fair and helps with other Parent-Teacher Association events such as the Holiday Shoppe. 

She has a library store where students can spend Cardinal Cash they have earned by reading, runs a Family Book Club and co-sponsors Battle of the Books. Cornett also helps with technical devices and is in charge of all textbooks on campus. 

“Mrs. Cornett is an outstanding media specialist who has transformed the media center into a welcoming and engaging space where our students truly enjoy visiting and checking out books,” Principal Kandace Goshe said. “Her passion for reading and dedication to creating fun, inclusive learning experiences for students, staff and parents is evident in all that she does.”

What brought you to your school?

The former media specialist was retiring mid-year, and Ocoee Elementary was highly recommended. I was looking for a change, and my interview with the principal and assistant principal was so delightful, I was determined to join the school.

What do you love most about your school?

Everything. I love my administration. Both the principal and assistant principal are some of the best leaders and people I’ve ever worked for. The students and their families are wonderful. I can’t say enough wonderful things about Ocoee Elementary.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

I love it when I can find the right book for a student and that student becomes a reader. It’s the best part of the job. I have a reluctant third-grade reader this year who recently discovered the Dragon Masters books, and he’s flying through them. It makes my heart happy.

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession? 

I’d probably still end up in the book world at a public library or in publishing. I love the impact that books and reading can have on people and society.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

I loved my fourth-grade teachers, Miss Partin and Mrs. Justice. I remember feeling very safe and very seen in their classes. 

What is your favorite children’s book and why? 

I remember my two favorite books when I was very young were “Brown Bear, Brown Bear” by Bill Martin Jr. and “Corduroy” by Don Freeman. As an adult, I realize that I like repetition, so Brown Bear makes sense. I also love Found Family stories, so the end of Corduroy makes me happy. My favorite children’s books as a media specialist are “Sulwe” by Lupita Nyong’o because it’s just so beautiful, and “The Littlest Yak” by Lu Fraser because it’s a fun read-aloud. 

What do you do in your spare time?

Read of course. I usually read (more than) 150 books a year. I also like to journal, and I was learning to crochet. I have four cats and a lot of plants, so I like spending time at home, but when I’m not at home, I attend concerts and go to Disney.

If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

I would love to meet Alexander Hamilton. I think he would be a fascinating person to talk to. I’m obsessed with the musical, but I also read Hamilton by Ron Chernow last year, and I think having dinner with him would be one of the most unique experiences.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I would love to be able to teleport. Visiting new places is one of my favorite things to do. The process of getting to new places is not. How amazing would it be to just snap your fingers and be in Scotland!

What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?

I am and half always been a pickle person. I would go straight for the jar of pickles as soon as I got home. School lunches in the ’90s were an experience, but I remember always looking forward to Friday because that’s when they would serve the round pizzas.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

I love Thanksgiving. It’s my favorite meal of the year, and I enjoy spending time with my favorite people without any expectations other than their company. Halloween is my favorite season overall, but I don’t celebrate or do anything on the actual holiday.

What is a fun fact about yourself that would surprise people?

I worked at Disney when I was in college. I trained sorcerers to find hidden portals and use magic to defeat Hades to save the Magic Kingdom. If you know, you know.