LEESBURG - Leesburg Elementary School nurse Rachelle Himes was surprised during a special recognition in the school’s gym Friday to learn she was named the 2025 Indiana School Nurse of the Year.
Warsaw Community Schools district nurse Tracey Akers said each year the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) publicly recognizes school nurses nationwide by honoring one school nurse from each state who has demonstrated excellence in school nursing practice and leadership in school health.
By an unanimous vote, NASN nominated Himes as recipient for 2025. Akers said 12 nurses were nominated statewide.
Himes will be officially recognized at the NASN National Conference in Austin, Texas, in June and celebrated at the IASN State Conference in November.
This is Himes’ ninth year at WCS, with her first year being a one-on-one school nursing position.
Himes went back to school for nursing as an adult. She said she had several family members who were in hospice care at one time. A hospice nurse told Himes she needed to be a nurse.
She likes helping families getting their needs met, whether it’s physical like they don’t have food or clothing, helping people to get to or from appointments or don’t know where to go next. She likes helping guide people in the right direction to get the right resources.
Leesburg Elementary Principal Nathan Polston told a gym full of students they were all there to “celebrate someone that helps each and every one of you.”
A couple weeks ago, Polston was asked to write a nomination letter. He then asked several teachers who have worked at the school for a while to write nomination letters for Himes as well.
Polston read a portion of the nomination letters. One letter said Himes was an outstanding nurse who expertly managed the physical needs of students with care and precision. Her medical knowledge combined with her demeanor ensures students receive the highest level of care. Drawing from her understanding of research, Himes has successfully implemented numerous strategies to support students. Her expertise helps her support, not only the physical health but also the mental health of students, ensuring a holistic approach to student well-being.
Another letter nominating Himes for the award stated she helps students through traumatic situations with unwavering support. One situation recalled was when Himes picked a student’s prescription glasses on her own time when the student’s parents were unable to arrange transportation.
Another letter said the consistent visits and emails from former students serve as a testament of Himes’ dedication and lasting relationship she builds. One former student said Himes helped the student by allowing them to sleep in her office and giving them hygiene supplies. The student said they don’t know what they would have done at that time if it hadn’t been for Himes.
After the announcement, Himes said, “Well, public is not my cup of tea. I’m really good one-on-one, so I was a little overwhelmed and surprised.”