STORY BY KAREN BOSSICK

PHOTO BY LISA EFINGER

Adri Klemer approaches each day with a positive attitude, choosing to go above and beyond for her team in the Medical/Surgical ward at St. Luke’s Wood River. And her gentle demeanor and warm approach make those around her feel safe, supported and cared for.

Those qualities made Klemer the hospital staff’s clear choice to receive the 2025 Carl A. Gray Memorial Award for nursing excellence.

As an administrative supervisor. Klemer embraces a questioning attitude and leans in with curiosity, helping promote collaboration and improvement across teams, according to her co-workers.

“Adri approaches each day with a can-do attitude and inspires those around her to do the same,” said one.

This year’s Carl A. Gray Memorial Award, established by the Harvey Gray Family to honor Carll A. Gray, an avid Sun Valley Ski Club member, was handed out at Café Della in Hailey.

Awards of distinction were also given in specific areas of the St. Luke’s core values.  The honorees included Brooke Haynes, RNC-OB BSN – Lead RN WR OB GYN who was recognized for Integrity; Hadly Steel, RN AMC-BC BSN – Nurse Manager Multispecialty Clinics for Compassion; Meredith Toevs, RN-BC, BSN, Medical/Surgical – for Accountability; and Brandy Herold, RN, ASN - Family Medicine, for Respect.

“It is truly one of my favorite nights of the year--a time to honor the incredible work our nurses do every day,” said Megan Tanous, St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation’s chief development officer. “Our nurses demonstrate unwavering dedication to both safety and compassion, ensuring the well-being of every patient with kindness and empathy. Their professionalism and humanity shine through in every interaction. We hear from so many grateful patients who are eager to share their stories of exceptional care and to recognize the outstanding nurses of Wood River.”