Virginia officials, school nurses, and public health and education leaders gathered on the steps of the Virginia State Capitol on May 6 to recognize School Nurse Appreciation Day and honor the important role school nurses play in supporting student health and learning across the Commonwealth.
Held during National Nurses Week, the proclamation ceremony included representatives from the Virginia Association of School Nurses (VASN) and featured remarks from Lauryn Walker, Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Resources, who reflected on the impact school nurses have on students, families, and school communities across Virginia.
Drawing from her own nursing background, Walker emphasized the trusted role school nurses have in supporting students throughout the school day, responding to both health and emotional needs, and helping children remain healthy enough to learn.
“School nurses are not peripheral to education, you are central to it,” Walker said.
Walker also noted that school nurses provided more than three million medications to Virginia students during the 2024–2025 school year. She emphasized their role in managing chronic conditions, supporting behavioral health needs, coordinating care, and helping students remain healthy enough to stay in the classroom.
Following the remarks, Connor Andrews, Deputy Secretary of Education, read Governor Abigail Spanberger’s proclamation recognizing School Nurse Appreciation Day in Virginia. The proclamation recognized the contributions school nurses make each day to the health, safety, and success of students across Virginia.
A framed copy of the proclamation was presented to Heather Snyder, the 2025 VASN Outstanding School Nurse Administrator of the Year; Betsy Looney, a 2026 National Association of School Nurses Fellow; and Na-Keisha White, President of VASN and a school health and wellness coordinator with the Virginia Department of Education.
School nurses often serve as a vital connection point between health care, families, schools, and community resources. Their work supports not only student health and safety but also attendance, learning, and long-term well-being.
The event recognized school nurses across Virginia for the care, expertise, and compassion they bring to school communities every day.
