CCSD Honors 2025 CCSD School Nurse of the Year

Ms. Michael reacts as the surprise presentation is made by, from left, Ms. Cole, Superintendent Davis and Chair Read Welch.

The Cherokee County School District celebrated school nurses today with the presentation of the fifth annual CCSD School Nurse of the Year Awards!

Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis today presented the 2025 CCSD School Nurse of the Year award to Renée Michael of Holly Springs ES STEM Academy!  The awards program, which recognizes an outstanding school nurse for each CCSD Innovation Zone and an overall district winner, was developed with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a CCSD Partner.  Congratulations to our winners and thank you to CHOA and to our School Board for its longtime investment in our school nurse program!

Ms. Michael is congratulated by her husband and son and Principal Ashley Polito.

Today’s presentation was made before Ms. Michael’s colleagues from across the school district at a professional development meeting for school nurses held at CCSD’s Educational Service Annex.  Ms. Michael received prizes including a $500 Visa gift card, engraved plaque and honor banner, sponsored by Children’s Healthcare. 

“Everyone in this room deserves this,” she said to her fellow nurses upon accepting the award.  Her husband and son joined in the surprise, as did School Board Chair Janet Read Welch, who established the award during her career with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.  

Ms. Michael and the Zone winners are congratulated by, from left, Chair Read Welch, Ms. Cole, Superintendent Davis, CCSD Lead Nurses Sherrie Smith and Jaime Stowe, and Chief School Leadership & Operations Officer Dr. Debra Murdock.

As part of National School Nurse Appreciation Day and National Nurses Week in May, a top school nurse from each Innovation Zone (a high school and its feeder schools) is announced.  The Zone winners advance to the CCSD School Nurse of the Year Award judging, with the winner selected by a panel of nursing professionals and retired educators. 

The Innovation Zone winners each received a $100 Visa gift card and an honor banner at today’s event.  In addition to Ms. Michael, who is the Sequoyah Zone winner, the Zone winners are: Cherokee Zone: Allison Rhodes, Knox ES STEM Academy; Creekview Zone: Kimberly Bishop, Ball Ground ES STEM Academy; Etowah Zone: Ashley Webster, Oak Grove ES STEAM Academy; River Ridge Zone: Kristen Kim, Mill Creek MS; and Woodstock Zone: Amber Palmer, Sixes ES.

Ms. Michael, center, is congratulated by Zone winners, Ms. Webster and Ms. Palmer.

A Licensed Practical Nurse, Ms. Michael joined CCSD in 2014 as the school nurse at Holly Springs ES STEM Academy.  Before joining CCSD, she worked as a nurse at a nephrologist’s office.  She earned her nursing degree from Chattahoochee Technical College.

“My role as a school nurse goes far beyond the stereotype of ‘ice packs and Band-Aids,’” she said.  “While those are part of my toolkit, they’re only the tip of the iceberg.  School nursing is about fostering a safe, healthy environment where students can thrive academically, physically, and emotionally.  Every day brings something new, whether managing chronic conditions, conducting screenings, or participating in 504 and Special Education meetings.  My goal is always to provide comprehensive care that encourages students to self-advocate and build confidence, especially those managing lifelong conditions.”

Principal Ashley Polito said Ms. Michael, known to students as Nurse Renée, brings exceptional “attention to detail, professionalism, and proactive problem-solving” to her role.

“Renée serves as the heartbeat of our school, providing compassionate care and thoughtful planning that reassures the HSES students, staff, and families,” Principal Polito said.  “Her dedication goes far beyond the traditional responsibilities of a school nurse and her impact is felt across every corner of our school and community.”

As one parent shared, Ms. Michael’s professionalism and care reassured them about sending their child, who has cystic fibrosis, to the school.

“From our very first conversation, her warmth and understanding enveloped us like a comforting embrace,” the parent shared.  “She took the time to listen to our fears and answered our questions with patience and compassion, making us feel seen and heard during one of the most challenging times in our lives.”

Laurie Cole, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta community development officer.

Laurie Cole, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta community development officer, spoke at the event.  She shared her great appreciation for school nurses, which has deepened through her role with CHOA and as a mom.  She treated CCSD’s school nurses to breakfast as part of the celebration.

Ms. Michael and the Zone winners also received gifts from Buffalo’s Café, Canyon’s Fresh Grill, Chick-fil-A of Cherokee County, Cobb EMC, Credit Union of Georgia, Krause Family Ford, Lisa Arrington Mary Kay, Marco’s Pizza, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, Riverstone, Mission Escape, Nothing Bundt Cakes Woodstock, Smile Doctors Orthodontics, The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, and Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q.
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