Nominated by Danielle Russo
I am honored to nominate Amanda Bakos for the School Nurse Superstar Award. Nurse Bakos exemplifies the very best of school nursing through unwavering advocacy and deep respect for the dignity of every student. These values are the cornerstone of Nurse Bakos practice, and they guide every interaction, intervention, and initiative. At the heart of Nurse Bakos’s work is a profound belief that every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and cared for—regardless of background, ability, or circumstance. Nurse Bakos' approaches each student with empathy and understanding, creating a safe and inclusive space where students know their needs matter. Nurse Bakos consistently advocates for services, resources, and accommodations that support students' physical, emotional, and academic well-being, often going beyond the clinical role to ensure that no student falls through the cracks. This commitment is backed by strong accountability—Nurse Bakos follows through with urgency and precision, ensuring that health concerns are addressed promptly and comprehensively. Nurse Bakos demonstrates autonomy in daily practice, making sound clinical decisions while staying grounded in professional standards and the scope of nursing. Collaboration is another strength. Nurse Bakos partners seamlessly with educators, counselors, administrators, and families to ensure that health plans are student-centered and effectively implemented. Nurse Bakos ability to build trust across teams enhances the impact of every plan and initiative. Equally important, Nurse Bakos consistently upholds district, state, and federal health policies, modeling compliance, professionalism, and ethical care. Whether managing medications, coordinating screenings, or responding to emergencies, Nurse Bakos operates with precision and integrity. Nurse Bakos is more than a nurse—she is a tireless advocate, a protector of student
