Wally Colon has been named the 2024 Florida Association of School Nurses Administrator of the Year by the School District. As the Assistant Director for Health Services, Colon manages the district’s nursing staff. She thanked the association for the award and highlighted the important role of school nurses in connecting healthcare and education.
Colon has worked with external organizations to provide schools with necessary medical equipment and updated seizure protocols. She has also increased the availability of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training for staff. Furthermore, she has organized health drives for student immunizations and physicals.
Her colleagues, including School Nurse Melissa Wallace who nominated her, have commended her leadership. Another nurse, Misty DeSomma, described Colon as an exemplary leader. Jessica Duncan, the Student Services Executive Director, also praised Colon’s dedication to school nursing.
The School Nurse Administrator of the Year award honors a nurse administrator who demonstrates excellence in school nursing practice and leadership. The award criteria are based on the Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice, which details the principles and components of modern, evidence-based school nursing practice.