Genel Wokal Hodges passed away on July 25th, 2024, at the age of 77. Genel was born to Gene L. and Martha Wokal at home. Her unique name came from her father’s first name and middle initial.
After routine tests in 2023, Genel was diagnosed with a mass in her kidney. Initially, it wasn’t considered serious, and the decision was made to remove the kidney. However, while waiting for the operation, the mass metastasized into bone cancer, which was only discovered after Genel broke her legs. She then entered Hoffmann Hospice to recuperate, having become bedridden.
Genel was a teacher at Toronto High School in Trona, California, where she made her best friends. After 16 years there, she transferred to Kern Valley High School. Some of her most dedicated helpers during her illness were her Kern Valley High School students. In 1980, she joined the California Association of Directors of Activities (CADA) and served as Secretary, Treasurer, and Convention Registrar for many years. During this time, she received the organization’s highest honor, the Jack Moore Award, in 2000. In 1989, Dr. Earl Reum was blessed to seek out Genel Wokal Hodges to be the first Executive Director of NAWD. Genel had a great deal of experience as an activities advisor in California, a leader within the California Association of Directors of Activities (CADA), and was a counselor and outstanding organizer who assisted Earl with membership coordination, distribution of materials, hotel contracts and conference program organization. Genel served for 25 years in that role retiring in 2013. By 2007, the organization was reaching out to more and more advisors who were not necessarily workshop directors. Mike Roland and others expressed the need for a name change to make things easier for them to attend. Peter Cahn, Mike Smith and Genel met and with the assistance and support of Dr. Reum, settled on the National Conference of Student Activities as the name of the annual conference. During this time period the NAWD organization also embarked on an expanded recognition program recognizing Leadership Workshop Directors of the Year from 1985-2003 and in 2003, the National Association of Secondary School Principals Division of Student Activities transferred the selection of their Earl Reum Award to NAWD in recognition of NAWD members who helped to train activity advisors in their regions and in the country. This became known as the National Dr. Earl Reum Award and has been presented annually from 1991 to the present. Earl always said these award winners were the organization’s backbone.
Genel met the love of her life, John Hodges, in 2000. They married shortly after, and John preceded her in death in 2020. Genel looked forward to being reunited with him. Together, they made many friends while planning and coordinating the Kern Valley High School reunions, held every two years starting in 2000.
Genel also served as Clerk for the Board of Trustees for the South Fork Mosquito Abatement District, enjoying the community service and working with the Board. She volunteered at the Kern River Valley Senior Center for over a year and was appointed to the Kern County Commission on Aging about a year ago. She believed in volunteer service, hoping others would see the fulfillment in helping others.
Genel was fortunate to have the support of friends and family. Her cousins, Stacy, Ann, and Cory, were especially helpful, and she stayed at Stacy’s house for the last few months of her life. Genel expressed her desire for friends and family to share happy memories of her or do something fun that reminds them of her, instead of having traditional services.
Genel will be deeply missed by all her family and friends.
I loved her dearly!
Lauretta A. Eldridge
