The Louisiana Department of Education named the 2022 School Health Service Provider of the Year- Beauregard Parish health service professional Andrea Ferguson, RN, CSN. With this inaugural School Health Service Provider Award, the Department recognizes and celebrates the state's most exceptional school health providers.
The program acknowledges school health service providers who are supporting and expanding superior school health services throughout Louisiana. Nominations were accepted on behalf of the following school employees and contractors: occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, personal care service providers, and behavioral health providers (LCSWs, LMSWs, LPCs, psychologists).
"School health service providers play a crucial role in children's lives," said State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley. "The Department is proud to honor these professionals and raise awareness of their immense contributions."
Providers were selected based on expertise in their fields, advocacy for student health, and commitment to both professional growth and the growth of school health programs within their school systems and communities. Ms. Ferguson, along with the below finalists, will be recognized at the June 15 BESE meeting in Baton Rouge.
The finalists also included Camelita Alexander, LPC in Bossier Parish, Allison Richardson, M.Ed., L-SLP, CCC-SLP in Livingston Parish, and Dawn Albarado Sonnier, LOTR, CAPS in Livingston Parish.