SCOE Nurse Receives Statewide Honor

Posted January 24, 2006
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Mary J. Larson, R.N., a school nurse for the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) was honored by the Board of Education January 25 after being named the Northern Section Nurse of the Year 2005-06 by the California School Nurses Organization (CSNO). Ms. Larson's colleagues and family members joined her at the Board meeting as she was presented with an engraved plaque recognizing her achievement.

Mary Larson works as School Nurse for the Severely Handicapped, a credentialed school nurse position with the Sacramento County Office of Education, as a Designated Instructional Services team member. She provides direct and consultative services to Special Day Classes located on seven campuses with students ranging from 3-22 years of age, serving students from Galt to Rio Linda in Sacramento County.

According to CSNO, Ms. Larson "is truly an inspiration to school nurses, and CSNO is indeed very proud of her." The organization describes as "outstanding" her "numerous accomplishments, sincere dedication, and tireless service to children, parents, staff, school nursing and the community."

A registered nurse for 32 years, she has also been honored by receiving the Outstanding Medical Service Award from the Sacramento Association for the Retarded (SAR) for her outstanding dedication to special needs students and families.

According to SAR: "In her ten years as a school nurse for the Sacramento County Office of Education, Mary Larson has learned the importance of treating each student as a whole person. Beyond the heavy load carried by all school nurses, Mary gets involved in each student's program of academic instruction and educational pursuits."