Dublin Elementary School has selected Mrs. Dawn Lawrence as their 2022-23 Employee of the Year.
Mrs. Lawrence attended nursing school in Wisconsin, where she was born and raised. After meeting her future husband, Randy, she moved to Virginia. She began working as a substitute nurse in the fall of 2000, then became the full-time school nurse at Dublin Elementary School in the spring of 2001.
“Dawn Lawrence has a nurturing and selfless spirit,” Dublin Elementary School Principal Dr. Elizabeth Webb said. “She puts great effort into taking care of all members of our school community. I know I speak for all of DES when I say we are very thankful for our Nurse Dawn.”
“I enjoy getting to work with students every day, whether it be just a hug in the hall, or helping them when they are not feeling well,” Mrs. Lawrence said. “I value the relationships that have been built with parents and coworkers throughout the county through my work here at DES. I am challenged daily in determining the best care for the student as a whole, who comes to me for care. It is often so much more than just band aids and bruises.”
Her nominators spoke very highly of Mrs. Lawrence and her commitment to the school, the job, and the students.
“She currently serves as the school nurse of Dublin Elementary,” the form stated. "’Nurse Dawn’ exhibits calm, exudes compassion, and can ease the nerves of many an upset student (or staff member and the occasional administrator). Mrs. Lawrence works extra hours to be an exceptional colleague and teammate, and she asks for no recognition in return.”
The person who nominated Mrs. Lawrence stated, "If you have ever interacted with Dawn or been in her presence, you will understand the indefinable qualities I am trying to describe, and you will know the asset she is to our children and entire school community."
When not running from sport to sport while providing coverage and shuttling her children back and forth, Mrs. Lawrence claims to be a homebody who enjoys decorating.
“I have been married to Randy Lawrence for 18 years and we have four kids, Chase 16, Maia 14, Cali 12, and Jaxon 10,” she said. “My late mom inspired me to want to be a nurse. Her legacy continues to drive me to be a better person, mom, and nurse.”