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Leavell named finalist for statewide Fred Award

Shanon Leavell, RN, Med Center Health School Nurse and Cheer Coach with Russellville Independent Schools, is one of three finalists for the Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) Fred Award. The Fred program, now in its 16th year, seeks to honor support staff who are the heart and soul of our public schools today. The Fred Award Program draws in nominations from school districts across the Commonwealth each year. The winner will be announced July 28.

The award, inspired by Fred Shea, the postman who became the subject of Mark Sanborn’s national bestseller, The Fred Factor, recognizes non-administrative staff statewide whose daily efforts are deemed extraordinary and integral to a positive learning atmosphere in their school communities. Finalists for this award must embody four guiding principles: makes a positive difference each day; has a heart for people; changes ordinary moments into memorable ones; and leads by example.

As one student described her, Shanon Leavell is “the one person you know will always be there for you.” She connects with students on a personal level, not just their physical well-being, but their mental health, academic health, and their relationships with peers. She is the student’s biggest cheerleader. She greets students at the front door every day. Somedays, she makes the day even more memorable by handing out Blow Pops (to help the band blow the competition out of the water.) “Shanon not only builds relationships with our students, but our staff and families as well,” said nominator Larry Begley, superintendent. “She has completely revived the Panther Spirit, not only on game day, not only in our school, but also in our whole community. She has cheered for our students, with our students, and now takes her cheer squad to at least one of every school activity and athletic event to make sure all student teams receive support and recognition from their peers.”

In addition to being a school nurse in Russellville, Shanon is a Clinical Staff Nurse with The Medical Center at Bowling Green Emergency Department. Congratulations, Shanon!

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