In the quiet corridors and busy classrooms of WHS, there is one important presence that is often overlooked: the school nurse. Having an impact far beyond treating scrapes and sniffles, the school nurse is the lifeline to students’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

  Michelle Rizza, the WHS school nurse, is a central figure in the building for students who are dealing with various forms of pain or sickness, and she is always willing to help.

   “It doesn’t matter when I go to the nurse; she is always there and willing to help out,” said senior Rayane Habibeddine.

   The unpredictable nature of students’ health needs makes each day unique for Rizza.. 

  “One of the biggest challenges for nursing is you never know what’s coming through that door,” said Rizza. “I’ve had kids come in with a collapsed lung, a detached retina, or just someone who’s coughing. I’m here to care for them all.”

   What Rizza provides goes far beyond the treatment of physical illness. For many students, she offers a “safe space,” and a willing listener as they work their way through mental and physical struggles.

   “When students are at a loss for what to do, I’m a person for people to check in about mental or physical health,” said Rizza.

    Due to her dedication to student welfare, Rizza goes above and beyond what is typically expected from her. 

   “I call home on the weekends if I’m really concerned about someone,” said Rizza, “reaching out to make sure they are okay.” 

     Many students are unaware that Rizza also has a role to plan for teachers who want to take students on field trips; they consult with Rizza as the crucial source of information to ensure students’ well-being away from campus.

    “Nurse Rizza is a great resource when it comes to the health and safety of our students,” choral director Jonathan Eldridge said. “When we are in the planning stages of a field trip, we give her a list of the students going on the trip and she goes through each and every student and provides the teachers with the information about any allergies, what medications they are allowed to take, what medications they are allowed to take alone, emergency contact, and any other important information we need to know. She is the go to person for all that incredibly important information and she is the best at it.” 

   Rizza is also an advocate on behalf of students and works with parents and staff to see that the needs of each student are met. The dedication does not go unnoticed, and she was the recipient of a WEEFC Star award from  parents in recognition of her efforts. 

   “I didn’t even know the parents knew how I was helping, but they surprised me with the award,” said Rizza. 

   Rizza’s role is a unique one in a school setting, so being recognized with an award most often received by those in the classroom validated what students at WHS already know: she is central to making the school work.   

    “It makes me feel good, like part of the school community, because I’m kind of an island; I’m not a teacher or a guidance counselor,” said Rizza     

    In a busy school environment, the nurse’s office often becomes a central hub of activity, managing a steady stream of kids and coordinating with staff to keep the day running smoothly, work that is noted and appreciated by the WHS administrators.

     “If [a student] gets called out sick for any reason or has a doctor’s note, it gets sent to the nurse, and she has to make sure the absence is excused. All day long, with 650 kids, someone’s getting hurt, someone’s getting sick, so we are constantly talking to her,” said assistant principal Todd Whitten.

   For Rizza, the hectic pace and constantly changing problems she has to solve come with a positive pay-off.

   “Knowing I’ve made a little impact on the kids and knowing that the kids like me makes me love what I do,” said Rizza.