Pictured, from left, are Warsaw Community Schools’ Nurse Coordinator Kennedy Wagner; WCS Welcome Center Coordinator Tracey Akers; Leesburg Elementary School Nurse Rachelle Himes; Leesburg Principal Nathan Polston; and WCS Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert. InkFreeNews photo by Liz Adkins.

By Liz Adkins
InkFreeNews

LEESBURG — Rachelle Himes, Leesburg Elementary School’s nurse, has been named the Indiana School Nurse of the Year by the Indiana Association of School Nurses.

Each year, the National Association of School Nurses honors one outstanding school nurse from each state who has demonstrated excellence in school nursing practice and leadership in school health. After a unanimous vote, the IASN Board selected Himes as the 2025 Indiana School Nurse of the Year.

Himes will be officially recognized at the NASN National Conference in Austin, Tex., in June and celebrated at the IASN State Conference in November.

A surprise recognition ceremony for Himes was held at Leesburg Elementary School on Friday, Feb. 28. Students, teachers, administration and Himes’ family were in attendance.

Leesburg Principal Nathan Polston said he and a couple teachers wrote nomination letters about Himes to send to the IASN Board.

“Nurse Rachelle is an outstanding nurse who expertly manages physical health needs of our students with care and precision,” read one of the letters. “Her medical knowledge, combined with a calm and reassuring demeanor, ensures that students receive the highest level of care.”

One nominator said Himes successfully implemented numerous strategies to support some of the school’s most vulnerable students.

“Her expertise allows her to support not only the physical health, but also mental health, of students, ensuring a holistic approach to student well-being,” read one letter. “Her ability to provide immediate support is exemplified through techniques such as guided breathing exercises, the strategic use of calming and sensory tools and creating spaces where students can self-regulate.”

Himes also guides families through traumatic events with “unwavering support.”

“I recall a time when she went out of her way to pick up a student’s prescription glasses on her own time, after the student’s parents were unable to arrange transportation,” read another letter. “This act of kindness is just one example of how Nurse Rachelle ensures that students’ needs are met, no matter the challenge.”

A former student also wrote about Himes.

“You let me sleep in your office and gave me hygiene supplies, and gave my family gift cards,” read the student’s letter. “I just realized how grateful I am to have had you help me because I truly don’t know what I would have done if it wasn’t for you.”

Himes has worked as a nurse for Warsaw Community Schools for nine years. She said she was surprised to receive the award.

“There’s a lot of social work with nursing,” said Himes. “I like helping families and getting their needs met.”

“School nursing is definitely more than just nursing,” said WCS Welcome Center Coordinator Tracey Akers. “You have many hats in that role and have the opportunity to get to know a lot of students and families.”