[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 116 (Thursday, August 1, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S9444]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NATIONAL SCHOOL NURSE OF THE YEAR

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
a West Virginian who serves as a model and inspiration for the entire 
Nation. On June 26, 1996, Denice Reese, of Hendricks, WV, was named 
``National School Nurse of the Year'' by the National Association of 
School Nurses. Along with all the people of West Virginia, I am proud 
of the accomplishments of Denice Reese. She is an example of dedicated 
and skilled school nurses everywhere, and especially of the 127 school 
nurses of West Virginia. I join her colleagues in recognition and 
praise for her service to the children and families of the Tucker 
County, WV, school system.
  Denice Reese is the first--and only--school nurse for the 4 schools 
and 1,400 students of Tucker County, whom she has served for the past 8 
years. By naming her the ``National School Nurse of the Year,'' her 
peers have recognized her outstanding work in this rural school 
district with many needs but few resources.
  Among her professional accomplishments, she helped get the Tucker 
County system designated as a pilot area for the Healthy Schools 
project. She has been an innovative leader, and has created model 
student and faculty health education programs. She has collaborated 
with other professionals to optimize the use of school system resources 
for health promotion and disease prevention.
  At a time when health, nutrition, and education programs for our 
Nation's children are in jeopardy, the work of the country's school 
nurses stands as an inspiration and reminder that our children are our 
future. On behalf of all Americans who are working to ensure that the 
Nation maintains its investment in the health and well-being of its 
children, I express gratitude for the partnership of our school nurses. 
Mr. President, I congratulate Denice Reese on her accomplishments, and 
wish her all the best as she continues her important work on behalf of 
the people of Tucker County.

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