AWARDING THE WORK OF OUR MEMBERS

Do you know someone deserving of a FSHA award? Each year FSHA recognizes the hard work of our members at the annual Awards Luncheon held during the conference. Nominate a deserving colleague or associate for consideration for special recognition at the annual conference for their work in school health and prevention.

Award Categories: School Health Education Teacher, School Nurse, School Health Education Coordinator, School Nursing Supervisor, Health Support Staff

Following is the criteria used by judges for scoring nominations:

• Advocates for students and serves as a positive role model. (10)
• Innovative school projects established by the nominee. (20)
• Community involvement outside of job. (15)
• List of professional organizations and offices held. (10)
• Letters of support. (20)
• Resume. (15)
• Member of FSHA. (10)

Please email FSHA with written nominations covering the above criteria and/or any questions you may have to emailfsha@fsha.us

2023 Award Winners

2023 School Health Services Honorary Lifetime Award
Brooks Rumenik
Director of the Statewide Energy Office Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Rumenik began her professional career as an elementary classroom teacher, maintaining a strong passion for fostering the social and emotional wellbeing of students as an integral part of their academic success. Her work led her to the Florida Department of Education’s (FDOE) Office of Safe Schools, Deputy Director. She worked to ensure safe and secure learning environments across Florida, focusing on prevention, intervention and emergency preparedness planning. In 2023, she became the Director of the Statewide Energy Off ice within the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Her new responsibilities include providing energy policies and programs that will move Florida toward a more diverse, stable, and reliable energy options.

2023 School Health Services School Nurse Award 
Karen Natalie Clay County School District 

Karen Natalie is employed with the Clay County District Schools as an ESE District Nurse providing her knowledge, guidance and expertise to other nurses and health services personnel where her kind and nurturing personality is always well received. Karen was the first school nurse to be hired at Clay High School and was instrumental in developing the program to the excellent standard it holds to this day. While at Clay High School, Karen made an impact on many students as well as being held in the highest regard by the staff members while working there for 21 years. Karen has a compassionate, warm, friendly, and always willing-to-help personality. She is a dedicated school nurse professional in every sense of the word.

2023 School Health Services Coordinator Award
Amanda Fellows Jackson County School District Amanda

Fellows oversees the Jackson County school health and dental programs as well as providing daily on-site care to students in a K-8 school. Over the last 3 years, she has made it her mission to provide influenza vaccinations to the students in Jackson County. She works tirelessly every day to provide care and compassion to all students. On more than one occasion, she has delivered immunizations to children in school who wouldn’t otherwise receive them. Amanda is a problem-solver to her core. She doesn’t accept limitations put on students and is the first to volunteer her time and effort. She also serves the public on the weekends by working in a community hospital as a day shift charge nurse on a medical-surgical floor and teaches Sunday school at her church. She has participated in various community outreach events to inform the public of service available to her community in the school health program.

2023 School Health Services Supervisor Award
Amy Ponce Pasco County School District Amy

Ponce is currently the Supervisor for School Health Services for Pasco County Schools. Amy provides exceptional support and services to new nurses and supportive personnel, in addition to serving as a leader, mentor and ambassador for her students and staff. Amy, in partnership with Premier Community Healthcare Group, was instrumental in the development, implementation, and management of the School Health Telemedicine program currently at Gulfside Elementary School, Before telemedicine, Gulfside’s health center “hub” provided medical, dental, and behavioral services, mentoring, a food pantry, clothing closet, and much more, thanks to Amy. She exemplifies the mission of the District School Board of Pasco County, as well as that of the State of Florida.