School nurse a LifeChanger
Michele Harold appreciated being nominated for the LifeChanger of the Year Award, but said she expected another school nurse to win.
Harold said she prefers to be more in the background of education, being present as a nurse to help students when necessary. So, when she got pulled to the front of a school assembly Thursday morning at McQuistion Elementary School, feelings about her unexpected victory set in.
“I had not a clue, I'm just one of the nurses,” Harold said.
The LifeChanger of the Year Award is given annually by the National Life Group in multiple categories, and Harold is this year's recipient of the Spotlight Award.
According to Ashley Chiu, a LifeChanger of the Year Award representative, the organization chose to “spotlight” school nurses for the category this year because of the work they have been putting in nationwide throughout the coronavirus pandemic. More than 200 people were nominated for the award.
“She makes every child that she came into contact with feel special and cared for,” said Laura Fields, who said Harold trained her when she was a nurse tech. “She has a can-do attitude and works tirelessly to take care of kids who were ill, to the ones who needed their pants fixed, to the ones who scraped their knee. No job was too small or too big for Michele when her students came into her health office.”
Harold's impact on the school and its students was enough to garner 51 comments on her nominee profile, which are taken into account by the selection committee. Students, teachers and parents gave examples of Harold's dedication to helping everyone at the school, especially during the pandemic. A panel made up of LifeChanger of the Year Award representatives and past winners choose the winner based on comments submitted by colleagues.
“Essentially, its just someone who goes above and beyond to make an impact on students' lives,” Chiu said. “Someone who shows strong leadership, excellence and creates an environment that promotes learning, and someone that adheres to high moral standards.”
Harold has been in nursing for more than 30 years, and has been a school nurse for 12 years. She was nominated by several of her colleagues as well as her husband, Martin, according to her LifeChanger of the Year nominee profile.
Butler Area High School's Golden Tornado marching band opened the ceremony Thursday in McQuistion's gym, and then principal Carrie Morgan-Davis began asking the students about their school nurse.
She had the students yell “surprise” to Harold, before bringing her to the front and announcing her award.
District superintendent Brian White said the district has never before had a staff member win the award.
Two representatives from the National Life Group, Cameron Clay and Chelsea Coleman, explained the award to the students. Coleman read some comments Harold received on her nomination profile, which came from students, parents, faculty members and even Harold's daughter, Allison Harold.
“Not only is she an amazing nurse to her kids at school, but she is an amazing mom and nurse at home as well,” Allison Harold wrote. “She had such a strong work ethic and will always put her kids first, no matter what.”
Her support also extended to co-workers and their families.
“Her rapport with the staff, students and their families was very visible as she worked tirelessly at the schools,” said Judy Byers, who worked with Harold as a substitute nurse. “She encouraged me with her leadership and friendship throughout my employment and I can't begin to express my appreciation for the help she provided.”
People also commended her care in dealing with COVID-19.
“She is constantly answering questions and advising on how to take care of our own children and our students,” said Heather Campbell, a teacher at McQuistion. “She keeps our school safe, and is always willing to help anyone with anything they need.”
Harold will receive a $5,000 cash prize, half of which goes to the school and half of which she keeps.
“That will buy a lot of Band-Aids,” Clay said.
Additionally, Chiu said Harold can network with other winners of the LifeChanger of the Year Award.
“We have a really tight-knit community, not just of winners, but of all our nominees,” Chiu said. “She can be involved as much as she wishes. We have webinars, panels; there are a lot of resources.”
Harold said she doesn't have any immediate plans or ideas on how to use the money.
She also said working through the pandemic has been challenging, but she has done her best to help students stay healthy and safe.
“It has been challenging, but I've had a lot of support from staff,” Harold said. “It feels wonderful; school nurses are usually in the background helping.”
