At the board meeting on Oct. 21, health paraeducator Kathleen Brand-White was surprised and thrilled to find out that she had received the Vita Plena Award. After happily accepting the award in front of her friends, family, and fellow nurses, she gave a brief speech thanking all the people who have helped and supported her over the years.

“It was lovely,” Brand-White said. “I try my best every day, [so] to be seen and recognized felt great.”

The award itself, which has the phrase “for going above and beyond in service to others, and for inspiring all to strive for the fulfilling life” printed on it, was created in the mid-1990s by former superintendent Dennis Kelly as a way to recognize the work and character of exceptional staff members, superintendent Brian Waterman said. Previous recipients, such as building foreman Gregory McClain and physical welfare teacher Katie Meyers, are honored by plaques in the boardroom that contain all of their names.

“I am glad that the award exists,” Brand-White said. “It is a powerful feeling to be recognized.”

As a part of the NC Health Services team, Brand-White’s job encompasses a wide range of responsibilities and services that both Waterman and the leadership team agree are meaningful and worthy of recognition. In addition to triaging approximately 50 to 80 students per day, she also assists with concussion protocol and 911 calls, answers parents’ and guardians’ questions regarding their student’s health, and helps to manage the health office overall.

“I enjoy working with students, and I like how every day is different,” Brand-White said. “I never know what a day will bring.”

Potential award nominees are typically brainstormed by the leadership team or suggested to them by staff members, Waterman said. They try to look for individuals across all work groups who have exemplified qualities such as selflessness, helpfulness, compassion, and kindness.

“[Brand-White] plays a really important role in supporting our students and their families, and she does so in such a kind, friendly, and helpful manner,” Waterman said. “When it came time to look at different deserving individuals, her name came up at our leadership team, and she was a natural choice for the award.”

Brand-White, who has been working at LT for the past 10 years, is also glad that by receiving the Vita Plena Award, the work of the school’s nurses and health office was appreciated and brought into view. This was especially important to her after the unprecedented challenges that Health Services faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as tracking hundreds of positive cases in students and staff and adjusting to changing protocol as announced by the IDPH (Illinois Department of Public Health).

“[The health] office is in the lower level in the back of the building, so sometimes we feel isolated,” Brand-White said. “I appreciate that a light was shined on Health Services and the important work we do at LT.”

The next Vita Plena Award will be given out at another board meeting sometime in December or January, Waterman said.

“We really enjoy presenting [this award] because it highlights deserving staff members who are really serving our school community in a positive way,” Waterman said.