Richland One school nurse to receive profession’s highest national award
March 22, 2018
A.C. Moore Elementary School nurse Carolyn Duff has been named a 2018 National Academy of School Nursing Fellow, the highest and most prestigious honor in the profession. Nurse Duff is also the first recipient of this award from South Carolina.
She will be one of four professionals formally inducted into the academy at the annual conference of the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) on June 30 in Baltimore, Maryland.
The award symbolizes superior achievement in school nursing and exceptional contributions to the organization. Professionals named as Fellows are recognized for making a significant and enduring impact on the profession, as well as school health and student well-being.
“Knowing the essential role and hand-in-glove relationship of health and education in a child’s well-being, there is no better place than school nursing to impact the future of our youth, who are the future of America,” said Nurse Duff. “I have spent all of my 21 years as a school nurse at A.C. Moore and, if it were not for the support of Richland One, I would not have been able to become fully engaged in professional activities at NASN and to be honored by induction into the National Academy of School Nursing.”
A.C. Moore Principal Dr. Chantelle Baker says Nurse Duff’s years of leadership have had a positive impact upon the health of students and staff.
“She has served as our school nurse for many years, as well as actively leading our school wellness activities. Her leadership in creating wellness activities for our school and community – from Walk to School Day to our Health and Safety Fair for students – has promoted healthy eating and wellness habits for teachers, students, and parents. I am so proud that she not only represents our school, but the State of South Carolina in this prestigious honor.”
Since its beginning in 1997, the NASN has inducted 95 school nursing fellows. It has more than 16,000 members and 50 affiliates including the District of Columbia and overseas. To learn more about NASN, go to www.nasn.org.
