It could be a skinned knee, allergies, a cold, a fever or – most likely in elementary school – a loose or lost tooth that takes students go to the school nurse’s office. Whatever the reason, being greeted by a friendly, soothing professional in the clinic is the first step to recovery. Wednesday, May 11, is National School Nurse Day – a time to celebrate and thank the nurses on the front lines of student health.
Last week, Dallas ISD’s Health Services Department honored school nurses at its annual end-of-the-year banquet. Delories Hilliard, the nurse at Barbara Jordan Elementary School, was chosen as Health Services Employee of the Year.
Hilliard has been a nurse for 25 years, the last seven at Barbara Jordan.
The most rewarding parts of her job are being able to provide activities and forums to students to make healthier choices, and helping students and staff undertsand the longterm benefits from such changes. “The absolute ‘best’ parts of my ’employment opportunity’ are the smiles/hugs from the students and staff,” Hilliard said. “The feeling of having made a difference in another’s life is beyond description – it is truly a blessing.”
She said being named Health Services Employee of the Year is a reflection of what her colleagues do across the district. “I believe they are each ‘Employee of the Year’ and deserve such recognition,” she said. “I also give a special thanks to Ms. Hopkins, principal, and the staff at Barbara Jordan Elementary School. Their commitment to the parents and students is unwavering. Their support of me and my endeavors has been above and beyond. My recognition is truly theirs for when you are surrounded by good people you can’t help but ‘look good.’ ”
Other Health Services employees honored for their years of service during the event are:
20 Years
Katrina Bell-Edmond, T.L. Marsalis Elementary
Jane Shah, Stephen C. Foster Elementary
15 years
Linda Johnson, Multiple Careers Magnet Center
Labrita Smith, David W. Carter High School
Terri Beck, W.E. Greiner Middle School
Debra Davis-Omar, Seagoville High School
Karen Hill, Lincoln High School
10 years
Mary Helen Hall, J.L. Long Middle School
Eve Melend
Marilyn Coleman, Richard Lagow Elementary
Tracy Reed, Wilmer-Hutchins Elementary
Cynthia Smalling, L.K. Hall Elementary
Lucinda Lewis, Lorenzo de Zavala
Laurie Lamb, S.S. Conner Elementary
Kimberlyn Stewart, Health Services supervisor
Patricia Johnson, Stonewall Jackson Elementary
D’Auna Van Heyst, Casa View Elementary
Norma Navarro, Moisés E. Molina High School
Esther Garcia, Stevens Park Elementary
5 years
Jennifer Taylor, Trinidad Garza Early College High School
Dianne Bachand, Edward H. Cary Middle School
Charlotte Hernandez, Central Elementary
Janae Hampton, Health Services social worker
Nicole Straughter, A. Maceo Smith New Tech High School
Patricia Bishop, Benjamin Franklin Middle School
Arvelene Sims, W.W. Bushman Elementary
Tiffany Devereaux, Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Middle School
Heather Velazquez, Health Services nurse
Rayetta Wright-Moss, Health Services nurse
Jacqueline Wright, Sunset High School
Ethel Fleming, Stemmons Elementary
Retirees
Lynda Blakeley, Mark Twain Elementary
Jenna Caraway, C.M. Soto Elmentary
Mary Clifford, Rosemont Elementary
Prince Hanks
Eve Melend
Jane Shah, Stephen C. Foster Elementary
Lois Hillburn
Paula Susat, J.J. Rhoads Elementary
Are you a nurse who has a heart for children and is up to the challenge of working in a school? Health Services is now accepting applications for open School Nurse positions. Find information here.
