By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

WILSONVILLE–Rosemary Liveoak has made a great impact on Wilsonville Elementary School and the community for decades and Thursday, Oct. 16 she became a part of the community forever.

A special dedication of the newly renovated Wilsonville Elementary School Media Center was held for Liveoak on Oct. 16, when she took time to reflect and thank many people she’s come in contact with in the community.

“This support is what helped move us finally, in this direction, to have not a classroom, but a real library and not a converted gym,” said Liveoak.

Liveoak served as Wilsonville Elementary School Principal for 34 years before retiring in 2013.

The new media center was filled with current and former teachers and administrators to congratulate Liveoak on her passion to strive to make the school one of the best in the county.

Liveoak helped create many of the details that went into the design of the library, such as the large fans, carpet, lighting and other unique aspects before the grand opening in January 2014.

“When we were designing the library, I wanted it to have that wow factor when students and teachers came in,” said Liveoak. “Probably my favorite thing about the library is the green carpet and the natural look we have to it.”

One of the unique aspects of the media center is that it used to be a gym before it was hulled out. On part of the wall, the old gym floor has been hung up and old pictures of the school from the 1800s and early 1900s are displayed.

Liveoak was appreciative of the award and credited a lot of her success to the town and people of Wilsonville.

“Wilsonville is a community that if you love it, it will love you back,” said Liveoak. “The closeness of the community is something that’s here and if you want it you can have it.”