There was a surprise celebration at Greenway Park Elementary School May 6 to name Caitlyn Mathis the 2026 School Nurse of the Year.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has a partnership with the Mecklenburg County Health Department, which provides registered nurses

and licensed practical nurses to deliver health care services throughout the district. Mathis, a nurse for 18 years, joined CMS in August 2024, and serves Greenway Park students and staff five days a week.

“I’m very surprised and very honored,” said Mathis on winning the award. “It’s really amazing. As a nurse, you don’t always get a ton of kudos for what you do, so it’s really an honor to be recognized and have some validation that I’m doing the right thing, and I’m in the right place.”

Mathis formerly worked in private practice at a pediatrician’s office. She knew someone who was in school nursing and really loved it, so she thought she would give it a try, considering her pediatric skills and ability to speak Spanish.

“It was kind of a great fit, and I’ve been loving it,” Mathis said. “I’ve actually been really surprised by how much school nurses do. It’s such a big range of responsibility, from dealing with minor cuts and boo-boos to dealing with chronic disease issues, like asthma. It’s more than what you’d imagine and a lot of challenges.”

Mathis’ award was announced by Dr. Vernessa Bowles, director of CMS Student Wellness and Academic Support, as she was cheered by students. Dr. Kimberly Scott, interim Health Director for Mecklenburg County; Tiffany Brown, Mecklenburg County Public Health school nurse director; and Principal Stephanie Range also praised Mathis’ selection.

Mathis was one of four finalists for the award. The other finalists were Katie Campbell, Piedmont Middle, Middle School Performance Area; Jane Lecznar, Renaissance West STEAM Academy, K‑8 School Performance Area; and Amber Hurst, North Mecklenburg High, High School Performance Area.

Treva Johnson, CMS Coordinated School Health specialist, said it is important to honor school nurses because they are a valuable asset to all schools and students.

“I think sometimes they do go unnoticed with the work they do,” Johnson said. “They’re not just Band-Aids and ice – they provide more, they make sure they’re covering the whole child, and this is an opportunity to make sure we honor them, respect them and that we appreciate them and the work that they do.”