Amy Nonweiler, who serves as Youth Service Center coordinator at College View Middle School, has been awarded the Harry J. Cowherd Award for Center Excellence by the Family Resource and Youth Services Centers network.
This prestigious award is presented annually to only one center or coordinator in Kentucky and recognizes those who have made a significant impact on students, families or community.
Judges evaluated Nonweiler’s success in identifying and meeting needs and demonstrating excellence beyond the regular operation of a Family Resource Center.
Nonweiler said she was humbled and touched by the honor.
“It is with heartfelt thanks and appreciation that I accept the Harry J. Cowherd Award for Center Excellence,” she said. “This recognition not only reflects the work I do at College View Middle School, but also indicates the dedication of each staff member at CVMS. All staff members commit to putting ‘Kids First’ in everything we do. As a member of a team that believes wholeheartedly in supporting our students and their families, our center is able to achieve our goals and do great work.”
Nonweiler said her work has been rewarding on both personal and professional levels.
“I was first introduced to the motto ‘Whatever It Takes’ when I joined the FRYSC team at Daviess County Public Schools three years ago,” she said. “The genuine commitment and unwavering dedication required to meet the ever-changing needs of families in our community is the driving force behind my work. The passion and focus of all Kentucky FRYSCs is unmatched. I am proud to be part of this network of amazing people.”
Nonweiler has established a long legacy of service.
“Throughout my career, I have devoted myself to work for organizations whose missions strive to meet the needs of others,” she said. “Prior to joining College View Middle School as the Youth Service Center coordinator, I served as the director of resource development for United Way and later as the executive director of the March of Dimes. I am passionate about doing good in this world using my skills and talents.
Nonweiler added that working in a position that allows her to help others help themselves each day aligns with her core values.
“I try to live my life by the words shared by Apple founder Steve Jobs: ‘Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.’ I believe in the mission of the Family Resource Youth Service Center program and I genuinely love what I get to do every day,” she said. “While it is an honor to receive this award, the true honor is helping the students and families in our community. It is a blessing to do what I do. I will always do ‘Whatever It Takes’ to put ‘Kids First.’”
CVMS principal Jennifer Crume said Nonweiler not only supports and helps students, she also encourages them to grow in areas of self-confidence.
“Amy challenges students to problem solve and to learn how to more effectively help themselves,” Crume said, adding that Nonweiler looks beyond barriers to see solutions. “Amy anticipates students’ difficulties in the socioeconomic barriers to learning. She assists in monitoring attendance as well as academics, knowing where to provide reinforcements or support to her students so they might be successful. She is a person of strong character and work ethic. We are all much more efficient due to her efforts.”
Kristy Brackin, who serves as DCPS support services coordinator, said Nonweiler has demonstrated outstanding commitment in serving her school’s student population of English language learners.
“She uses translation services and various strategies to connect with these families by serving them in nontraditional ways in order to provide for some of their most basic needs,” Brackin said.
Brackin added that Nonweiler responded swiftly to the challenges presented to families and schools by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Before the words ‘virtual programming’ were even uttered by the state, Amy had already pulled up her bootstraps and began collaborating with her school guidance department to support the mental health needs of their students,” Brackin said.
Nonweiler’s reputation for service, compassion and excellence extend beyond her school and the DCPS district.
Erica Wade, executive director of The Center in Owensboro, also serves as the CVMS Youth Service Center Advisory Council chairperson. She said she has watched Nonweiler “go above and beyond to make sure that CVMS families have everything they need, not only for their student but for their entire family unit.”
“From home visits to food deliveries to providing a safe and welcoming place for students from all walks of life, Amy has a way of making each person feel so incredibly special,” Wade said. “Her energy and generous spirit are contagious, and she makes all of us who have the privilege of working with her want to strive to be better and do more for the families we serve. She leads by example and moves mountains with her determined passion.”
Nonweiler has also initiated a partnership between FRYSC coordinators at other districts to build a program to support grandparents who are raising grandchildren. This community-wide program provides help, resources and information that benefit both generations.
