By Ashley Kuropatkin and Bridget O’Connor
Since 1998, Susan Prindall has served as the Johnson Middle School nurse and after twenty years, she is retiring from her position. Prindall has provided medical care for hundreds of students and staff members during her time at Johnson.
“Mrs. Prindall is one of the anchors and rocks of our school. She is so phenomenal at her job, and she has the perfect balance of caring for the students and staff,” said Principal William Hahn.
Prindall received her college education at Boston University through the school of nursing, and there she was able to graduate with a bachelors science degree. After college, Prindall worked at both Beth Israel Hospital in the coronary care unit, and Newton Wellesley Hospital in the cardiac rehab program. In Walpole, she also worked for the Walpole Visiting Nurses Association before becoming the nurse at Johnson Middle School.
“Making a difference in the lives of a young person really makes a difference,” said Prindall. “It’s very challenging and different everyday, but I enjoy working with kids and teachers.”
In a typical day, Prindall is always greeted by students who may have an injury, crutches, casts, or any other possible illness. Students have scheduled visits with Prindall in order to receive any treatment or medication needed throughout the day. Prindall also fits in paperwork, phone calls, and emails into her daily schedule.
“The lives of young people and families are very complicated,” said Prindall. “I think that kids are heroes when they get through their middle school years and feel good about life, because middle school is hard.”
In the future, Prindall hopes to keep volunteering as well as spend more time with her grandchildren. Prindall is also planning to move to Maine. Over the past twenty years, Prindall has worked to maintain the health and happiness of Johnson Middle School’s students and staff.
“Mrs. Prindall has cared for the social, emotional, and physical health for thousands of kids over twenty years, and that in some way says it all,” said Hahn.
