Appalachian Regional Healthcare proudly honored Katie Bailey, the Floyd County Schools’ Certified Employee of the Year, and Shirley Hall, Classified Employee of the Year at the school district’s opening day event at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg, Monday, August 12.

Danielle Harmon, ARH’s Community Development Director, says, “Congratulations, Katie and Shirley! We are thrilled to honor these two outstanding individuals who are making a difference in children’s lives. ARH is a proud partner of Floyd County Schools, and we will continue to work to support our schools and communities as we believe healthcare is more than being seen by a healthcare provider.”

Candidates for the Certified Employee of the Year award must demonstrate excellence in work performance, school and community involvement, leadership and commitment, and student health and well-being.

Katie Bailey, the health science teacher at the Floyd County School of Innovation, is committed to providing students with hands-on healthcare experiences and valuable opportunities to connect with the professional healthcare industry. She’s the driving force behind the HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) chapter, which enables students to participate in educational events and competitions. Together with her students, she coordinates an annual health fair for the employees of Mountain Enterprises, Inc., delivering real-world experience while making a positive impact on the local community.

Bailey ensures that students in health care and law enforcement at FCSI receive crucial certifications in CPR and Stop the Bleed, and she also prepares her students to obtain certifications in Allied Health, Pharmacy Tech, and Medical Nurse Aide.

“Mrs. Bailey not only teaches students the content and technical aspects of healthcare, she also teaches them the essential human elements of patient care and interpersonal respect,” comments FCSI principal Christina Crase.

Katie Bailey, originally from Wayland, is entering her 23rd year as a nurse and her 6th year as a health science teacher. She and her husband Chris have two daughters, Emma and Ava.

Candidates for the Classified Employee of the Year must demonstrate the ability to build relationships, invest time in people, turn ordinary moments into memorable ones, and lead by example.

Miss Shirley Hall, a school custodian at John M. Stumbo Elementary (JMS) and a US military veteran, goes above and beyond in her role. Not only does she keep the cafeteria clean and orderly, but she also takes the time to connect with students, giving hugs, tying shoes, and opening milk containers. Her exceptional work ethic and dedication to building meaningful relationships make her a true leader and leave a lasting impression on both students and staff.

Miss Shirley brightens up the preschool classrooms during her breaks, and the kids adore her. She’s dedicated to their educational success, and it’s no wonder the students look up to her with admiration and trust. Whether she’s sharing a story, playing with the kids, or offering a kind word, Miss Shirley brings so much joy to the children’s day and leaves them beaming with smiles.

“Shirley is a hero at our school. She takes pride in her work, and when you ask her why, she’ll say without hesitation that it’s for our kids. Shirley gives so much, and we’re grateful to see her receive the recognition she wholeheartedly deserves,” said Kolby Huff, guidance counselor at John M. Stumbo Elementary.

Shirley Hall is from Beaver, Kentucky. She has two sons, Adam and Michael, and one grandson, Karter. She served as a Mess Management Specialist in the US Navy for three years and just started her 4th year as the lead custodian at JMS.

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