Wendi Kozel, RN, who serves as the Daviess County Public Schools district health coordinator, has been named one of three finalists for the 2022 Fred Award sponsored by the Kentucky Association of School Administrators.
The Fred Award recognizes district heroes for their exceptional devotion to kids and service to others. KASA notes that “the presentation of Fred Award finalists is one of the most prestigious and respected awards for non-administrative staff or volunteers statewide.” The Fred Award is named in honor of the inspiration for the book The Fred Factor: How Passion in Your Work and Life Can Turn the Ordinary into the Extraordinary, by Mark Sanborn.
KASA representatives went to Country Heights Elementary School to celebrate Kozel as part of a School Nurse Appreciation Week pep rally. The celebration included the announcement of Kozel’s finalist status in the state awards program.
Kozel was the DCPS 2021 Kids First Customer Service Award winner. Those who nominated her recognized her outstanding leadership in guiding the district through the COVID-19 pandemic and for her compassionate spirit in caring for students, staff, and families.
“Throughout her years of service as a school nurse and health professional, Wendi Kozel has demonstrated a heart of service and a sincere commitment to nurturing the health and wellness of our children,” DCPS Superintendent Matt Robbins said. “She truly cares about people. Wendi provides outstanding support not only for our DCPS health team but also for school health professionals in other districts and across the state. She has earned the respect of her peers and the love and appreciation of all of us who are blessed to know her.”
Kozel and her husband Vladi will be a guest of honor at a reception hosted by KASA at the Galt House in Louisville on July 28. She will also be recognized at a special ceremony on July 29 in the Galt House Grand Ballroom, where the three state finalists will receive a marble plaque. The winner will receive $500, while the other two finalists will receive $250 each.
Past DCPS winners of the prestigious KASA Fred Award have included bus driver Kenny Kelley (2016) and custodian Daniel Lyne (2021).
