LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Nicole Lewis was nominated by her colleague, Megan Bumgardner.

Devoted, self-sacrificing, generous, noble, loving...these words can all be used to describe Ms. Lewis. She has been the sole nurse serving the entire Kellogg School District for almost 10 years. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic began, Ms. Lewis worked tirelessly for 1100+ KSD students in grades K-12. Whether she's helping a family navigate the world with a new diabetes diagnosis, or helping students who come from poverty-stricken households with accessing medical or mental health care, she has always put the needs of the students above all else.

"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," said Bumgardner. "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."

Ms. Lewis has been the liaison between the district and the local health district. Both entities rely on her ability to understand and navigate the countless scenarios her community has come up against. From school closures, to contact tracing, to coordinating vaccination outreach clinics, Ms. Lewis and her guidance have single-handedly kept COVID-19 from overtaking the school community, time and time again. 

Her patience and support are unending. She is a wife, parent, coach, volunteer, and the most amazing friend. Ms. Lewis has walked by the side of so many as they adjust to the greatest of life's challenges. She's the first to lend a hand, a shoulder to cry on, or give the most amazing advice. 

"I would like the community, both locally and in general, to know what an amazing person Nicole Lewis is," said Bumgardner.