Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) named Melissa Carmack as the 2025 SHERO Award recipient. The award, established by JRMC’s OB-GYN department, recognizes women in the community who exemplify courage, outstanding accomplishments and noble qualities that inspire others.
Carmack was nominated by colleague Kristi Lloyd, who praised her impact on local youth. “Melissa has created a warm, welcoming space at each elementary library that makes students want to be there,” Lloyd wrote in her nomination. “Students love the library and Melissa so much that there are students who ask to go there before school to visit with her and read books.”
As the Jamestown Public School District library assistant, Carmack serves every public elementary school in Jamestown, building a consistent culture of curiosity and joy around reading. Her recent recognition coincided with a milestone moment: the end-of-year school assembly where her daughter graduated from fifth grade — and where Carmack officially stepped into her new role as elementary schools library coordinator.
“The day was incredibly special,” Carmack said. “It felt like the most amazing close to a chapter in my life.”
Carmack humbly and passionately sees her work as a way to empower young minds. “It’s incredible to see students achieve,” she said. “Libraries are no longer the quiet study spaces they used to be. They’re noisy, full of chatter and laughter. I’m proud to help foster that love for books and learning.”
Lloyd emphasized Carmack’s dedication to cultivating connections with students. “Her passion for creating a genuine, positive relationship with students is awe-inspiring,” Lloyd said. “Melissa takes the time to get to know each child’s interests to give them thoughtful suggestions on books.” That commitment extends beyond school resources — Carmack has even lent books from her personal collection to help students stay in their reading “groove” without interruption.
The SHERO Award is a testament to women whose extraordinary achievements and character uplift others and enrich the entire community.
“We had an exceptional group of nominees this year,” said JRMC nurse practitioner Makenzie Breitbach. “Melissa stood out for her unwavering commitment to education and her profound impact on children across our district.”