Two Richland One school nurses receive district’s first DAISY Awards
May 8, 2024
In conjunction with the observance of National Nurses Week (May 6-12, 2024) and School Nurse Day (May 8, 2024), two Richland One school nurses were named recipients of the district’s first DAISY Awards.
The awards program, which is run by the DAISY Foundation, recognizes nurses for their compassionate care in their field of service. Richland One is the first school district in South Carolina and the second in the United States to offer the award to school nurses.
Jacqueline Pitt of Crayton Middle School and Suzonne Williams of John P. Thomas Elementary School were surprised with the DAISY Award at their respective schools on May 7.
Crayton Middle School nurse Jacqueline Pitt (left) was named one of two recipients of Richland One’s first DAISY Awards. Pictured with her is Eunice Jones, R.N., Richland One’s coordinator of nursing services.
John P. Thomas Elementary School nurse Suzonne Williams (right) was named one of two recipients of Richland One’s first DAISY Awards. Pictured with her is Eunice Jones, R.N., Richland One’s coordinator of nursing services.
“I’m definitely surprised and honored because of what the DAISY Award means to nurses and what it means to the nursing profession. You’re a nurse wherever you go and you’re always looking for opportunities to heal people, to love people and to bless people,” said Pitt, who has been a nurse at Crayton since 2013.
“This is definitely an honor. It just means a lot to know that the work you do doesn’t go unnoticed. There’s so many children that you just want to help every day and to know that you’re making an impact in the community, it means a lot,” said Williams, who has been a nurse at John P. Thomas for 17 years.
In addition to Pitt and Williams, six other Richland One school nurses were nominated for the DAISY Award. The other award nominees were:
- Rhonda Corley – South Kilbourne Elementary School
- Alison Hair – Meadowfield Elementary School
- Eloise Langenhuizen – Pine Grove Elementary School
- Lauren Roberts – Caughman Road Elementary School
- Jennifer Robinson – A.C. Moore Elementary School
- Penny Melendez-Salazar – Horrell Hill Elementary School
