May 6, 2026 — Since 1972, National School Nurse Day has recognized school nurses. The day was established to foster a better understanding of the role school nurses play in an educational setting. It is celebrated on the Wednesday of National Nurses Week, which is held May 6-12 each year.
"Cobb's team embodies the very best of what it means to be a school nurse: compassionate, capable, and full of heart. The Cobb County School District is better because of them. I am grateful for them every day because they are the real MVPs!" exclaimed Cobb School Nurse Administrator Melanie Bales.
Throughout the school year, Ms. Bales also chooses a "Nurse of the Month" to highlight some of the great work happening across the District. The 2025-2026 honorees include:
• Rita Kuritz, Kennesaw Mountain High School, August 2025
She has redefined what efficiency and compassion look like in a school setting. Her thoughtful improvements to clinic operations and flow have created a space where students and staff feel supported and cared for—no matter the circumstance.
• Samantha Stephens, Mabry Middle School, September 2025 (also featured here)
Now in her second year at Mabry, "Nurse Sam" has completely transformed the clinic into an efficient, welcoming, and student-focused space. With more than 10 years of nursing experience, she brings expertise, compassion, and fierce motivation every single day.
• Laura Jones, Compton Elementary School, October 2025
She went above and beyond for Compton by navigating tough situations with calm professionalism and a heart full of grace. She re-certified her entire Emergency Response Team with CPR, organized the “Make a Child Smile” truck, provided ASP staff with EpiPen and asthma training, and ensured emergency seizure medication administration training was in place.
• Theresa Smith, Cooper Middle School, November 2025
She embodies what it means to truly care for students and staff. She brings kindness, calm, and comfort into every interaction—often with the warm smile that so many have come to rely on.
• Area 2 Nurses, Southeast Cobb County Schools, December 2025
While fully running their clinics, caring for students, managing daily health needs, and handling the nonstop flow of new paperwork and medications that come with the beginning of the school year, these nurses simultaneously piloted a brand-new charting system. This alone is a massive undertaking, and they did it with professionalism, precision, and unwavering commitment to student safety and continuity of care.
• Sheri France, Blackwell Elementary School, January 2026
She handles each day with calm confidence, reassuring students, staff and families alike. She knows every student by name and sees far beyond the symptom in front of her, always advocating for what is truly best for the whole child.
• Andrea Manning, South Cobb Early Learning Center, February 2026
She led SCELC in becoming a Certified Heart Safe School through Project SAVE, ensuring lifesaving preparedness for students and staff. As a CPR, First Aid, and AED instructor, she empowers her team with confidence and knowledge—giving them the tools to remain calm in critical moments.
• Amy Matthews, Lewis Elementary School, March 2026
She has a genuine passion for the well-being of everyone around her. Her presence brings comfort; her dedication builds trust; and her commitment to excellence never goes unnoticed. Whether she is supporting students through tough moments or offering reassurance to staff, she consistently creates a safe and welcoming environment for all.
• Virginia Ezernieks, Mountain View Elementary School, April 2026
Her impact extends far beyond the clinic walls. She plays a key role in keeping Mountain View a “Heart Safe School,” working closely with staff and first responders to ensure readiness. She also brings learning to life for students, teaching everything from handwashing skills to lice prevention, and always keeping it fun.
These nurses are just a small sampling of the expertise, compassion, and readiness Cobb's school nurses bring to our 113 school buildings around the county. The District is grateful for such a great team of highly motivated and trained professionals to monitor our children's well-being and health.
