For the first time, two different Spirit Awards announced

The 2025 Spirit Award winners

When the first Sandra Shaw Spirit Award — named in honor of the longtime CEO of the Bert Nash Center — was presented in 1992, the recipient was Virginia Vickers.

Virginia began working at the Bert Nash Center (BNC) in the 1980s and later became the office manager before being promoted to the role of director of Support Services.

This year, for the first time, there are two different Spirit Awards, with one of the awards now named in honor of Virginia.

On March 14, during a Town Hall meeting for BNC team members, Jenny Brewer was announced as the recipient of the Sandra Shaw Spirit Award, while Brad Boydston received the Virginia Vickers Spirit Award, which is given to a non-clinical team member.

Nominations for both awards were submitted by BNC team members, and a committee of past Spirit Award winners narrowed down the candidates and made the final decisions.

Jenny and Brad will be recognized at the Bert Nash Center’s Pioneer Celebration on May 5 at the Lawrence Arts Center.

During her presentation of the Virginia Vickers Spirit Award, BNC Office Support Manager Anita Anderson explained the decision to establish two awards.

“Each year, it has become increasingly difficult to choose just one winner as our team has grown and we have so many outstanding and deserving staff members,” Anita said. “After much thought and discussion, we decided to add the Virginia Vickers Spirit Award to honor a deserving support staff member.”

Jenny serves as the program manager for Adult Outpatient Services, while Brad is the electronic health record manager. Brad has been part of the BNC team for almost 25 years, and Jenny has been with the Center for seven years.

 “It is an incredible honor and truly humbling to receive this award,” Jenny said. “I am just a reflection of this unique and amazing Bert Nash community. I’m also thrilled that Brad Boydston is being recognized this year; he is immensely deserving.”

Brad, who worked alongside Virginia Vickers, expressed his honor in being the first recipient of the Virginia Vickers Award.

“I’m one of only two current support staff members who knew Virginia Vickers 25 years ago,” Brad said. “She seemed larger than life, and I loved how she always had an answer to my questions.”

Cindy Naff, last year’s Sandra Shaw Spirit Award winner, announced Jenny as this year’s recipient at the Town Hall in March.

 “This year’s winner has been described as caring, kind, thoughtful, and friendly,” Cindy said. “This individual is a guiding light and an encouraging model for others, showing that while it isn’t easy to juggle everything, we can strive to do our best daily and continue to bring kindness and hope to all our interactions. This year’s winner is cherished by their team and supports and challenges them while remaining committed.”

Neither award winner was disclosed prior to the March Town Hall. Anita, the BNC office support manager, announced the Virginia Vickers Spirit Award.

 “This year’s winner embodies the spirit of dedication and teamwork that makes Bert Nash thrive,” Anita said. “In fact, without this person, many operations at the Center would come to a standstill. Some of the descriptors for this individual were innovative, skilled at managing and prioritizing, positive, possessing a can-do attitude, and showing genuine care for those affected by their decisions.”

Congratulations to Jenny and Brad!