Awards and Recognition

Links

For more information or to request a paper copy of the nomination form, please contact the SNOM Awards Committee Chair Amanda Lamecker alamecker@rrsec.org

Jen Kohorst MSN, RN, PHN, LSN
2025 School Nurse of the Year

Jen serves as the District Nurse for Fergus Falls Public Schools, where she has provided exceptional care and leadership since 2016. Overseeing the health needs of more than 2,700 students across seven school sites, Jen ensures that each child—from preschoolers to young adults—receives compassionate, high-quality health support.

In her role, Jen manages a wide range of student health concerns, and skillfully coordinates her school health team, ensuring that each school operates with efficiency, safety, and a focus on student well-being. Her proactive approach includes collaborating with families, teachers, and healthcare providers to create and update care plans tailored to each child’s needs. Jen is also deeply committed to health education and prevention. She has developed newsletters, health and wellness websites, and classroom programs that teach students, staff, and families about important topics such as diabetes care, infection control, and emergency medication use—all tailored to age-appropriate learning levels.

Jen leads efforts to improve systems and outcomes districtwide. She has streamlined health documentation, digitized vision and hearing screening results, and developed immunization data tools that have saved significant staff time and improved accuracy. As the Regional School Nurse Consultant for the Lakes Region, she supports nurses across multiple districts, organizing Community of Practice meetings that promote professional learning and evidence-based care. Guided by the NASN Framework for School Nursing Practice and rooted in a deep commitment to public health and equity. From coordinating flu clinics and teaching classroom health lessons to guiding her district through the COVID-19 pandemic, Jen continues to model professionalism, compassion, and innovation in every aspect of her role. Through her leadership, advocacy, and dedication to student-centered care, Jen has made an enduring impact on her district and community—exemplifying the excellence recognized by this statewide honor.

Through her expertise, empathy, and dedication, Jen has become a trusted leader and an essential part of the Fergus Falls school community. Her work exemplifies the vital role school nurses play in ensuring that students are healthy, safe, and ready to learn each day.

Sayra served as the Health Services Coordinator for Farmington Area Public Schools from 2018-2025, where she supervised health staff and administered health services to a population of over 7,000 students. With more than 40 years in nursing and 13 years as a Licensed School Nurse, Sayra has made a lasting impact on her school community through her dedication to excellence in care coordination, health education, and advocacy for students and families.

In her role, Sayra served as the district’s clinical expert on all health-related matters. Her practice is grounded in nursing standards, ethics, and evidence-based care, ensuring that every decision reflects the highest professional integrity. Sayra’s work exemplifies the heart of care coordination—connecting students, families, and providers to the support they need. She sees every student as a unique case, whether managing a chronic health condition or helping a pregnant student access medical and social resources. Chronic disease management is central to her daily work, particularly for students living with diabetes, epilepsy, and life-threatening allergies. She collaborates closely with families and medical providers to develop individualized health plans, train staff, and ensure that every child can safely participate in school life.

RNs, LPNs, health aides, and paraprofessionals across the district.Throughout her career, Sayra has shown extraordinary grit, compassion, and humor—qualities she believes define true leadership. Sayra’s work reflects a deep belief that healthy students are better learners—and that strong communities are built through care, connection, and continuous improvement.

SayraJane Maberry RN BSN PHN LSN
2025 School Nurse Administrator of the Year

Denise Herrmann, DNP, RN, CPNP, FNASN

Honored Retiree

After an extraordinary 44 years in nursing—including 29 years devoted to school nursing—Denise retired this past August, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, leadership, and service to students and families.

Nursing has been her lifelong calling—one she has pursued with compassion, integrity, and deep commitment since she first dreamed of becoming a nurse in fourth grade. While the work has not always been “rainbows and unicorns,” she has found purpose and resilience in keeping her “why” at the center, guiding her with strength, courage, and hope.

During her time at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), she has connected with school nurses across the state—listening, supporting, and advocating for their needs. Her words, actions, and encouragement have embodied the spirit of Maya Angelou’s wisdom: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

She believes deeply in the power and importance of school nursing—that each school nurse touches and saves lives every day. Her message to colleagues is to be visible, be vocal, and be brave in elevating their practice. She encourages nurses to continue using the many resources available—through MDH, NASN, SNOM, regional meetings, and professional networks—to strengthen and sustain their work.She also extends heartfelt appreciation to her colleagues Heather Hedin (MDH) and Leah Bancroft (MDE), whose expertise, dedication, and partnership have been vital to supporting school nurses and students across the state.