Beth Anne's Last Message to the Certified School Nurses of Pennsylvania as the Director of the Division of School Health

Some people come into our lives and quietly go.

Others leave footprints on our hearts which remain forever.

-Adapted from Eleanor Roosevelt

 

High school nurses will understand when I say that I was looking for a standard quote to write in the myriad of yearbooks that would cross my desk each May, while working as a CSN. I came upon the above quote and feel in love with it. It’s become my signature quote for farewells.

 

I have been humbled and honored to serve with the Department of Health, Division of School Health, since April of 2005. Never in a million years, would I have thought that a red-neck girl from southern York County would be sitting in this chair! I’ve often heard said, “If you want to give God a laugh, tell Him your plans!” Well, I’d like to reverse it because God gave me a laugh when I was offered the “Acting” Director’s position. There was no way that I thought I could fill the shoes of Jon Dale. But, with the love, camaraderie and support from you, we’ve accomplished much!

 

Although I’m moving on to the next phase in my life, there is much work still to do. We know that anyone who thinks a nurse’s caseload should be 1,500 children and teens is out of their minds! And not raising the reimbursement for school health services since 1992 is unforgiveable! Especially at a time, when sicker and sicker students are attending school. I know that the School Health team, who will continue to work with you to carry on this fight, is phenomenal! I pray that you will continue to work in collaboration with Jill, Donna, Sheri and Sue towards providing the safest, highest quality care possible for the children in this Commonwealth.

 

Back to the quote, I want to thank each of you, from the bottom of my heart, for the footprints that you have left indelibly etched on my heart.

I hope I don’t offend anyone but I want to close with my favorite Scripture from Philippians 1:3:

 

 I thank my God every time I remember you.

4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy

5 because of your partnership… from the first day until now…”

 

Humbly and with love,

Beth Anne

Retired Director of the Division of School Health