Bringing DAISY to School Nursing: How Highline Public Schools Became Washington State's First School District DAISY Program.

Recognition is an important yet often underutilized strategy for supporting nurse engagement, professional fulfillment, and work sustainability. As school nurses continue to address increasingly complex student health needs, opportunities to celebrate their contributions remain limited. To address this gap, Highline Public Schools launched a districtwide recognition initiative through The DAISY Award program, becoming the first in Washington State to do so. The inaugural year, 2025 to 2026 school year, generated widespread participation from diverse members of the school community and produced powerful narratives demonstrating the influence of school nurses on student health, access to education, and overall well-being. The initiative elevated awareness of the breadth of school nursing practice while fostering connection, gratitude, and professional pride among nursing staff. This experience illustrates how meaningful recognition can strengthen organizational culture and underscores the importance of honoring school nurses for their essential contributions to students, families, and school communities.