KSD nurse nominated for national LifeChanger award
Kellogg School District nurse Nicole Lewis has worked as the district's sole nurse for nearly 10 years. Lewis was nominated by colleague Megan Bumgardner for both her character and her inspiring effort during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Courtesy photo
KELLOGG — Kellogg School District nurse Nicole Lewis was recently nominated for the 2021-22 LifeChanger of the Year award — a national recognition program that honors K-12 public school educators and employees who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership.
With the nomination, Lewis is given the opportunity to win several cash prizes up to $10,000 to be shared with the Kellogg School District.
Lewis was nominated by her colleague, Megan Bumgardner, for going above and beyond to serve the community while working as Kellogg School District’s solitary nurse for almost 10 years. Bumgardner noted that even before the COVID-19 pandemic began, Lewis worked tirelessly for 1,100-plus KSD students in grades K-12, but has since become a cornerstone in the school district with her medical knowledge, nurturing nature and quick ability to adapt to her added responsibilities since the pandemic began.
"When the COVID-19 pandemic reached our little rural area of North Idaho, Nicole became the touchstone for not only administrators and teachers, but countless families in the community," Bumgardner said. "We relied on her advice and expertise on navigating this new 'normal' we found ourselves in. Her unrelenting commitment to seeing our community through the worst of the pandemic, time and time again, is truly awe-inspiring."
Kellogg Middle School Principal Dan Davidson echoed Bumgardner’s praises, calling the nomination well deserved.
“Nurse Nicole is an absolute lifesaver for our district and for our building at KMS. She is always readily available to contact with questions about health issues with students and staff. Her knowledge of what to do in critical situations is amazing, and we are so lucky to have her.”
Nominees will be reviewed by a committee comprised of former LifeChanger winners and education professionals, and 18 individual winners will be announced in early 2022.
Lewis said that she is flattered by the nomination and feels humbled to have the passion she puts into her work appreciated.
“It is really an honor to be recognized for this award when I work with so many great and deserving people,” Lewis said. “I love working with the children and members in this community. It is not always easy managing health care issues within the school setting, but rural nursing and living where we do is very rewarding.”
Davidson noted that Lewis would have his vote saying “She is an absolutely amazing, kind person and should get this award for her work ethic, reliability, and knowledge — and she juggles all this while raising two middle school boys.”