The Norfolk County Teachers Association, NCTA, awarded Rachel Jackson, Walpole High’s School Nurse, with the Honor Award for the 2016-2017 school year.
Jackson, surrounded by her family and fellow colleagues, received her award on June 6 at Lombardo’s in Randolph.
“I was very surprised,” said Jackson, “Out of the pool of wonderful educators we have at the high school, to be a nurse and be nominated is truly an honor.”
In fact, Jackson is only the second nurse from Walpole High School to receive this award, after current retired nurse Cathy Burgess.
“I was the first nurse to receive this award, and she will be the second,” said Burgess. “Usually it goes to somebody who is retiring, so it is a tremendous honor for her to get it after only three years working at the high school.”
According to the NCTA website, “The NCTA Honor Award is given to individuals who demonstrate significant contributions in three areas: Educational Service; Community Service; Association Service.”
Jackson’s fellow colleagues have noticed her dedication to the school community.
“I think that she has been doing a lot of really good work with some of our students,” said Walpole High School Principal Stephen Imbusch, “She received a lot of accolades for her work with the three students who have Cystic Fibrosis.”
Along with her associates, Jackson herself recognized that her work in this area was commendable.
“I would think that all my preparation for the students with Cystic Fibrosis, and implementing the plans and publishing the articles would contribute to my receiving of this award,” said Jackson. “I don’t think about it when I do it, but when I really look back, I think to myself ‘Okay, I guess that was something that was out of the ordinary.’”
Jackson prepared for the arrival of the three students with Cystic Fibrosis for over a year. These students could not be within six feet of eachother, so Jackson had to put together unique schedules and designate individual spots for each student in the cafeteria, auditorium and library.
Jackson will proudly represent nursing as she receives the Honor award at the ceremony in June.
“Just for the field of nursing to be honored is amazing itself,” said Jackson. “But I am beyond surprised and honored to receive this award.”
