The Fred award seeks to honor an individual who exudes a Fred-like spirit of service, innovation, and commitment to others, positively influencing and impacting the lives of those in the school community. Make plans to help us show our Freds how great they are!





Fred Award Guidelines

Do you know someone who embodies excellence? If so, the KASA Awards Committee invites you to nominate this remarkable individual for the prestigious Fred Award.

Inspired by renowned author Mark Sanborn, this award honors Fred Shea, the inspiration behind Sanborn's bestselling book The Fred Factor. Nominations for this distinguished award should reflect the four core principles outlined in the book:

  • an individual who makes a positive impact every day
  • has a genuine passion for helping others
  • transforms ordinary moments into unforgettable experiences
  • leads by example. If this sounds like someone in your district

     


Application *Now Closed

Eligibility

The Fred Award is open to non-administrative staff and volunteers, including classified support staff (such as bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers, instructional assistants, etc.), students, parents, community volunteers, and etc. School nurses and school resource officers are also eligible, provided they are employed by the school district.

Nominees should demonstrate a strong commitment to service, innovation, and a dedication to others, creating a positive impact on the lives of those within the school community. Individuals who have previously received the Fred Award in the past ten years are ineligible for re-nomination. However, they may be considered for other KASA Awards.


Guidelines

  • Applications accepted through March 17 at 8:00 a.m. EDT.
  • Note: Only one applicant per school district will be accepted.
  • Award nominations may be submitted by any KASA member. Nominations must be submitted on the official application.
  • A maximum of three additional pages of supporting materials may be submitted to enhance the application. The supporting materials may be submitted in video format. Video should be uploaded to web-based platform (YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, etc.) and the link should be included on the application. Video length should be a maximum of 4 minutes. 

Award Selection, Notification & Recognition

  • Three Fred finalists will be selected and announced April 2025 by a statewide judging panel comprised of KASA member representatives.
  • In May, a film crew will visit each finalist to capture the essence of how they embody Fred-like qualities within the school district on a daily basis. The footage will be compiled into a short video, which will be showcased at KASA's Annual Leadership Institute to a large audience before the winner is revealed. This video will also be featured on KASA’s website, and the recipient will be highlighted in KASA’s award publications and other media outlets.
  • The finalists will be honored at KASA's Annual Leadership Institute, held at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville. During this event, the two finalists will each receive a commemorative award and a $250 monetary gift. The recipient of the 2025 Fred Award will be presented with a commemorative award and a $500 monetary gift.
  • Nominees not chosen for the award will be recognized via KASA’s newsletter and website.


Submitting a Nomination

Complete the application and forward to the KASA office as follows:

Submit Electronically:
Press the Submit Electronically button on the PDF form. (Note: if using this option, you will also need to print page 1, sign and fax to (502) 875-4634.)

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: If using Chrome or FireFox, you must first save pdf to your computer, then close browser and re-open saved file to complete and submit.

Mail to:
Leadership Awards Program
87 C. Michael Davenport Blvd
Frankfort, KY 40601

Fax to:
(502) 875-4634 (Address cover sheet to Leadership Awards Program.)

Note: Nomination packet must include application, letters of recommendation, and any supporting materials.

Miscellaneous Notes

  • All applications become the property of KASA. No material will be returned unless requested by the nominator.
  • When completing the application, please write clearly and give specific examples as to how the nominee has accomplished or addressed a particular criteria area. (Example: “Jane Smith contributes to the effectiveness of the administrative team by contacting each individual prior to a team meeting, ensuring their attendance and their participation relative to assignments previously made.”)


Applications not submitted in accordance with the stated guidelines will be disqualified.



2024 Fred Award Winner
Estil Hylton
Pike County Schools


Watch Video Here
 

Previous Years

2008 Fred Strange, Campbell County 

2009 Brenda Sorrell, Montgomery County   

2010 Ronald Shoulta, Paducah Independent 


2011 Rick Branham, Pike County 

2012 John Foote, Monroe County 

2013 Danny Henderson, Carlisle County 

2014 Bruce Bell, Union County 

2015 Marvin McHenry, Carter County 

2016 Kenneth Kelly, Daviess County 

2017 Kathy Fryman, Augusta Independent 

2018 Rita Renfrow, Butler County 

2019 Angela Shoemaker, Muhlenberg County 

2020 Melvin Bell, LaRue County 

2021 Daniel Lyne, Daviess County 

2022 Danny Fugett, Ashland Independent 
 
2023 Mahlon Thomas, Carlisle County 

2024 Estil Hylton, Pike County    

Other Leadership Awards

Administrator of the Year

Distinguished Service Award

Fred Award

Superintendent of the Year Award

William T. Nallia Award