Bend-La Pine school nurse receives statewide honor

Laura Brown, a longtime school nurse with Bend-La Pine Schools, was recently named the Oregon School Nurse of the Year by the Oregon School Nurses Association. Brown primarily serves students at Summit High School.

“We are very proud of Laura Brown,” said Alice Dewittie, principal at Summit High School. “Laura puts all of herself into everything she does and we are privileged to have her at Summit.”

She recently earned a national award from the National Board for Certification of School Nurses and the National Association of School Nurses for her advocacy. Laura began working with Bend-La Pine Schools in 1994 and has served at many schools throughout the district. This year, she is assigned to Summit High School, S.T.R.I.V.E. and William E. Miller Elementary School.

“Without a doubt, my favorite part of the job is working with students and families and developing special, meaningful connections with them,” said Brown. “The greatest fulfillment is to come and do this job. This award is very humbling and I’m very honored to receive recognition from my peers.”

This is the second year in a row that a school nurse from Bend-La Pine Schools earned this distinction. Last year Connie Hoffstetter, who primarily serves students at Bend Senior High School, was named Oregon School Nurse of the Year.