Huntington UFSD Recognizes its School Nurses

Huntington UFSD observed National School Nurse Day this week. It’s an annual event celebrated in the midst of National Nurses Week, which runs May 6-12 this year.

Huntington’s current roster of nurses includes Julia Dunn, Katherine Khokhar, Linda Amarante, Doreen Coco, Dara Schneider, Debra Patane, Lauren Meagher and Marie Scarola.

“On National Nurses Day, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our incredible school nurses across all eight of our school buildings,” Superintendent Beth McCoy said. “Your dedication, expertise, and compassion play a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of our students and staff every single day. Your unwavering commitment makes our schools safer and healthier places to learn and grow. Thank you for your hard work, your care, and for always going above and beyond to support our school community. We are truly lucky to have you as part of our team!”

“The Power of Nurses” is this year’s national theme. “Nurses are the heart of health care; steadfast in compassion, courage and commitment,” according to the American Organization for Nursing Leadership. “Care, Lead, Inspire — Repeat. It’s a cycle that defines the profession. Nurses care deeply for patients, teams and communities. They lead with integrity and vision, often in the most complex and challenging environments. They inspire others through action, advocacy and unwavering dedication. And they do it all again every shift, every day.”

Huntington students, parents, teachers and staff have all be able to show a special dose of gratitude and appreciation for their respective school nurse this week.

“School nurses play a critical role in supporting the health, wellness, and academic success of students nationwide,” according to the National Assn. of School Nurses. “They address critical healthcare needs, ensuring that students can thrive in the classroom and beyond. The challenges students face today—from chronic illnesses to mental health struggles—demand comprehensive, accessible care, which school nurses uniquely provide. With over 25 percent of students managing chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy, the presence of a school nurse ensures these children can thrive in a safe and supportive environment.”