Photo/ JOSEYLN KING WVU Medicine nurses who are winners of the Northern Regional Daisy Award gather for a photo at Wheeling Park’s White Palace on Thursday. Pictured from left, first row, are Nicholas Fledderus, Misty Moore, Stephanie Perko, Alicia Wade and Aleshia Schramm. In the back row are Kevin Potts, Jessica Rea, Damara Zills, Mackenzie Touvelle, and Paige Briggs.

WHEELING – They provided help to patients when they were at their worst and most needed it, and the patients and their families noticed.

Nurses from WVU Medicine hospitals in the northern region were honored for receiving international “DAISY” awards in 2025 and recognized during a luncheon Thursday at Wheeling Park’s White Palace.

The DAISY award is a recognition program to celebrate nurses who go above and beyond their duty to provide patient care. Nominations for the award are collected from patients, families and co-workers.

Jennifer Riley, chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services at WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital, recognized two DAISY award winners from the hospital – Paige Briggs and Aleshia Schramm.

Riley said some days it’s not just about being tough and thick-skinned as a nurse, but about making the effort to see the patient where they are” individually.

“The DAISY award is not a WVU Medicine or West Virginia award. It’s an international nursing award,” she said. “You should be so proud of yourself for getting nominated and being selected as our winners.”

She referenced data showing that for 24 consecutive years nursing has been the most trusted profession in America. It is followed by military service, then doctors and pharmacists.

“It is a calling. It’s not just a paycheck,” Riley added.

WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital recognized five DAISY recipients – Nicholas Fedderus, Alicia Wade, Mackenzie Touvelle, Stephanie Perko and Kevin Potts.

Their names were read off by Lisa Wood, vice president of patient care services at Reynolds.

“I’ve only been here a short period of time, but our nurses are absolutely amazing,” she said. “They inspire me, and I admire each and every one of them.”

Honored from WVU Medicine Wetzel County Hospital was Damara Zills; from WVU Medicine Barnesville, Misty Moore; and from Harrison County Hospital, Jessica Rea.

Angela Delaney, director of nursing at Wetzel County Hospital, noted that Zills was the first-ever recipient from the hospital.