Michigan Association of School Nurses Names Jen Yoder 2025 School Nurse of the Year
HOLLAND, Mich., March 6, 2025 — Holland Hospital School Nurse Jen Yoder has been awarded the 2025 School Nurse of the Year award by the Michigan Association of School Nurses (MASN). This marks the second consecutive year a Holland Hospital school nurse has received this prestigious honor.
Yoder, who serves Hamilton Community Schools, has over 12 years of experience in school nursing. She holds a BSN from Hope College, an MSN from Post University, American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Services, and is a nationally certified school nurse.
“I received a phone call and was told 'Congratulations, you were nominated and selected as School Nurse of the Year, so that was very exciting and surprising,’” reflected Yoder. “I maybe cried a little bit on the phone when she told me, but very excited as well. It's just an honor to have been nominated and then to win is exceptional."
The Holland Hospital School Nurse Program provides onsite medical support to over 13,000 students across Lakeshore communities, including prevention, chronic disease management, and referrals. From daily medication administration to treating playground injuries, the nurses address the physical, emotional, and social needs of students.
Yoder’s exceptional ability to connect with children and her commitment to health education have made a significant impact. She has developed innovative programs promoting healthy habits, injury prevention, and mental health awareness. Her involvement with Hand2Hand demonstrates her dedication to addressing the nutritional needs of students and recognizing the connection between nutrition, health, and academic success.
"It was very much an honor to think that people trust and appreciate me enough to think I'm worthy of that nomination,” said Yoder. “I'm here doing my job, and not anything special, I'm just doing what I love and what I feel called to do. The fact that others see this as above and beyond is amazing and I'm beyond grateful that the community has come around me."
Yoder's colleagues praise her compassionate heart, leadership, and dedication to providing high-quality medical care. Hamilton High School Principal Mitch Bosch nominated Yoder. His nomination shared that her responsibilities go above and beyond, addressing the critical health needs of the school’s 796 students. “Her expertise and compassion are incredible, from administering insulin shots and managing students with seizures to supporting those with broken bones and other injuries. She is often the first line of support for parents navigating student illnesses, offering them guidance and reassurance during challenging times.”
Established in 1998, Holland Hospital’s School Nurse program has worked to improve the health and well-being of students K-12 in 29 schools within the greater Holland area. During the 23-24 school year, Holland Hospital’s school nurses had over 40,000 encounters with students, administered 24,000 medications, in conjunction with school staff, and performed 5,800 procedures such as urine catheterization, blood glucose monitoring, and g-tube feedings.
“Having school nurses from our program win the Michigan Association of School Nurses School Nurse of the Year award two years in a row, is a measure of the quality care this group of professionals delivers to the most vulnerable members of our community, our children,” said Holland Hospital School Nurse Manager Hendrina Cupery. As their leader, I could not be more proud of Jen, Lisa and this amazing team.”
Yoder will be recognized at an award ceremony on May 8 in Bay City, MI. This recognition highlights the ongoing dedication and excellence among school nurses across Michigan. In 2024, Holland Hospital School Nurse Lisa Gort from Holland Public Schools was named School Nurse of the Year. To learn more about Holland Hospital’s School Nurse Program, visit hollandhospital.org/snp.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Jessica Meldrum, MS, APR
jmeldrum@hollandhospital.org
March 6, 2025