Lisa Bazzarre, school nurse at North Point High School, was recently named the 2026 Nurse of the Year for Charles County Public Schools.

Bazzarre has worked for CCPS for nearly 27 years. She previously served as the school nurse at the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center before moving to North Point in 2005.

“Every day, she leads with kindness, empathy and genuine care, creating a safe and welcoming space for everyone who walks through her door,” Theresa Seide, physical education and health teacher at North Point, said. “Her compassion and dedication make a lasting impact on our entire school community.”

Nursing services in CCPS are provided through a partnership between the school system and the Charles County Department of Health. Desiree Colvin, school health program manager, said the office solicited nominations from CCPS staff and others to select the Nurse of the Year.

“Lisa was the clear winner this year. She had so many nominations from nurses, CCPS staff and parents at the school,” Colvin said. “The love that poured out made her a clear recipient of the award.”

School nurses play a critical role in daily student success. They ensure students receive proper medication, treat injuries and support overall health needs. “I think it’s important they get a shoutout each year for doing such an amazing job,” Lynn Kane, CCPS school health nurse supervisor, said.

Bazzarre earned her nursing degree at Catholic University of America and began her career at United Medical Center, formerly Greater Southeast Community Hospital, where she worked for 15 years alongside her sister, a retired CCPS school nurse. She has commuted an hour to work for the past nine years after moving out of Charles County.

“It’s the best place to work,” Bazzarre said. She has witnessed North Point’s growth since the school opened. “Some of these people have been here a long time and a lot of graduates come back to the school to teach,” she said. “It tells you a lot about the school.”

Bazzarre is the second recipient of the annual award. Natasha Williams, retired school nurse at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School, received the inaugural honor last year.

“Ms. Bazzarre is an outstanding nurse who clearly cares deeply about the students she serves, and she is very deserving of this recognition,” Jessica Davis, math teacher at the school, said.

For families across Charles County and the broader Southern Maryland region, school nurses like Bazzarre provide essential support that helps students stay healthy and focused on learning. In a district serving more than 28,000 students in communities from Waldorf to La Plata, these dedicated professionals bridge medical care and education every day.

The recognition highlights the strong partnership between CCPS and the Charles County Department of Health. School health services ensure students have access to care during the school day, supporting academic success and family well-being across Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties.

For more information about CCPS school nurses and the services provided visit https://www.ccboe.com/departments/student-services/school-health-services.


David M. Higgins II is an award-winning journalist passionate about uncovering the truth and telling compelling stories. Born in Baltimore and raised in Southern Maryland, he has lived in several East...

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