State honors nurses from local schools

Two Charleston County school nurses have won statewide awards for their work.

Nancy Baker, who works at Moultrie Middle, was named S.C. RN of the Year, and Glenda Moore, who works at West Ashley High, was named S.C. School Health Licensed Practical Nurse of the Year.

The awards were announced Jan. 20 by the state Department of Health and Environmental Control and the state Department of Education at the state's annual school nurse conference held in West Columbia. The awards recognize nurses who demonstrate outstanding commitment, competence and compassion in the provision of school health services.

Melissa Prendergast, Charleston County schools' director of nursing services, said the district was honored to have both the state registered nurse and LPN of the Year on its staff.

"Ms. Baker and Ms. Moore positively affect the lives of students, staff, and families across the district," she said. "They play an important role in student learning by managing chronic health conditions and promoting healthy lifestyles so our teachers can teach and our students can learn."

Baker has worked in Charleston schools for 18 years. The RN is working with the county to develop a formal playground project specific to the needs of the school's population, and she's obtained prizes from businesses to reward students and staff for participating in Zumba, tennis, pilates, yoga and a walking group. She also developed a Weight Watchers at work group for staff and a health club for students.

Moore has worked as an LPN for 31 years and as a school nurse for 11 years. She's created a committee that organizes programs emphasizing nutrition, exercise and weight management. She's obtained grants to implement a "Health and Sole" walking program, and she holds "Healthy Fruit Days" to introduce healthy snacks to students.

The state also gave its Dee Dee Chewning School Nurse Administrator Award to Margie Moore of Richland 1.

Reach Diette Courrégé at 937-5546.