CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2014 KASA FRED WINNER VIDEO of Bruce Bell!
Union County Public Schools is home to the 2014 KASA Fred Award Winner. Bruce Bell, UCPS Custodian at Central Office and Bus Garage and volunteer at Morganfield Elementary School (MES), was named the FRED winner on July 18th at the Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) Annual Conference at the Galt House in Louisville, KY.
According to a recent KASA publication, “the Fred Award remains a coveted KASA award, drawing in nearly 40 applications each year from school districts across Kentucky. Inspired by Fred Shea, the subject of Mark Sanborn’s national bestseller, The Fred Factor, the award recognizes non-administrative staff, students, and volunteers statewide whose daily efforts are deemed extraordinary and integral to a positive learning atmosphere in their school communities.”
“This is a very special award honoring those who set the example for Kentucky kids,” said KASA Deputy Director Rhonda Caldwell. “Being a finalist for this award speaks volumes about the caliber of service each of these finalists give on a daily basis. We believe in recognizing those who have dedicated so much of themselves to others.”
Bruce Bell, or “Super Bruce” as he is known to UCPS students and staff, is a custodian by occupation; volunteer, mentor, and role model by spirit and actions. Bruce volunteers his own time each day to assist MES custodians and mentor MES students. You may see Bruce out high-fiving students in hallways or as they get on busses, reading to students during the summer, or simply providing a listening ear and encouragement to others.
When Bruce is around, people stop in their tracks to watch him work. As he cleans windows, you will see him smiling, singing, & laughing-- then your jaw may drop as you see him start cleaning the spotlights that shine on the building at night. You will see him dusting the minute hand of the clock in the lobby, on his hands & knees pulling weeds from a crack in the parking lot, or painstakingly replacing each pinwheel planted in honor of Child Abuse Awareness Month after mowing. Although not a prideful person, he has a great deal of pride in his work. He WANTS to do a good job, not for himself, but to make others happy.
Bruce and his “twin”, fellow custodian Don Ed McCollum, meet every morning in the superintendent’s office before their shifts ever begin and have prayer for their families, co-workers, and staff and students in our district. When asked what sets “Super Bruce” apart from others, an MES student replied, “He just has something in his heart to make people feel better.”
Superintendent Patricia Sheffer is very proud to have Bruce in the UCPS district. “Bruce is a great example to us all of the SMOVE (smile + move) spirit. A SMOVER is someone who smiles and moves through life, no matter the situation, and accepts the challenge of making an ordinary job extraordinary. Bruce’s joyous spirit is contagious and he helps brighten any day. He is always up for adventure, greets each day with joy, and above all, is a humble and eager servant. Bruce is a role model not only for our students and employees, but for each of us as humans. I am honored that he represents UCPS as the 2014 KASA Award winner,” said Sheffer.
Bruce was selected for this award by a statewide judging panel representing leaders from school districts across the Commonwealth. He was awarded $500 and presented with a marble plaque. Also, a short video featuring Bruce was produced by KASA and will be available to view on the UCPS website at www.union.kyschools.us.