Lexington High School Nurse Heather Jackson is the South Carolina Department of Education’s Licensed Practical Nurse of the Year.

Jackson has worked for Lexington County School District One since 1999, first serving as the health room assistant at Pelion Elementary School, then as a nurse at Pelion Middle School before moving to LHS.

Jackson mentors newly hired LPNs to help foster relationships with the onsite or supervising registered nurse at their school. In fact, all new LPNs shadow her for at least a day to learn from her effective procedures. She also leads the district’s Team Morale group, which is made up of the system’s 50 school nurses at 32 locations. The purpose of the group is to open communication and improve connections among the nurses. In keeping with this mission, Jackson created a monthly newsletter, called The Pulse, for the school nursing staff.

“It is evident that Heather has a servant’s heart,” says Amy Wood, director of nursing and health services for Lexington District One. “Serving others ... is a gift she continues to share with us.”

Jackson works to improve the health and wellness of staff, as well. She facilitates wellness initiatives such as flu shot clinics, mammograms and health screenings. She also trains staff in emergency preparedness and student health procedures.

“I chose to become a nurse to help and serve others who are in need,” says Jackson. “The most rewarding part of being a school nurse is knowing that a difference can be made in a student’s life at any time.”