The Hancock County Board of Education  expressed  their appreciation to school nurses and other health professionals who stepped up to conduct COVID vaccination clinics in Hancock County at Monday’s meeting.   Kathy Dray, school nurse supervisor/LPN program head, was lauded for her dedication and leadership in coordinating the effort on behalf of the school system.  

“It truly took a village to make it happen,” said Dray who said Superintendent Dawn Petrovich worked closely with Jackie Huff of the Hancock County Health Department. She cited the volunteer efforts of the school nurses, 14 LPN students and Health Occupation instructors LaDonna Smith and Wendy DiAngelis; Davis Brothers Pharmacy, CHANGE, Inc. and Office of Emergency Services.
Since the first clinic held on New Year’s Day 2021, 28 clinics have been held at the John D. Rockefeller Career Center, Weir High School and The HARV at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort with over 3,000 vaccinations given
Schools nurses recognized included Jamie Starkey, Allison Elementary; Mary Lyons, New Manchester Elementary; Debbie DeCaria, Weirton Elementary; Rachael Wright-McKay, Oak Glen Middle; Jody Shenton, Oak Glen High; Kaitlyn Hawkins, Weir Middle; and Joy Rhodes, Weir High.
“Things changed from minute to minute..hour to hour. Fear almost took over, but we kept moving forward,” said Dray who noted that the nurses had put their personal well being at risk to volunteer at the clinics