May 6, 2026 is recognized as National School Nurse Day. Across the state of Georgia, dedicated school nurses are honored through the 2026 School Nurse Proclamation signed by our Governor, recognizing their invaluable contributions to student health and well-being. Today is a time to honor the dedicated healthcare professionals who show up every day to keep our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn. Georgia school nurses are creators of "warm, open, and caring" spaces where students feel seen, supported, and free to be themselves. They are advocates, educators, and mentors who go far beyond the clinic, conducting health workshops, coaching students on healthy habits, and building lasting trust with families and staff. Many speak of the deep privilege of giving back to the very school communities that shaped their own lives, and of the joy that comes from knowing students "greatly rely on them" each day. Whether offering a hug, a sticker, or a listening ear, our nurses remind us that caring for a child is truly meaningful work, and today, we say thank you.
As a nurse, nursing leader and President of Georgia Association of School Nurses, I am honored to represent Georgia Association of School Nurses and all nurses across Georgia.
We are called to serve with dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment.”
Dr. Valencia Beckley Hildreth, GASN President
