The Springdale Public Schools nursing staff was awarded the 2025 Outstanding Childhood Immunization Champion Award by Immunize Arkansas.
“Receiving this immunization award is an incredible honor, and it truly means so much to our department,” said Director of Nursing Amy Schultz. “This recognition reflects the remarkable dedication and professionalism of our nursing team. Every day, our nurses show up with compassion, skill and an unwavering commitment to keeping our students healthy and protected. I am so proud of each and every one of them.”
The nursing staff accepted the award Dec. 4 at the Immunize Arkansas year-end meeting and awards celebration in Little Rock. Immunize Arkansas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving vaccination rates for all Arkansans through education, advocacy and statewide partnerships.
“It was such a great experience,” Schultz said. “Infectious disease specialist Dr. Jennifer Dillaha spoke, we enjoyed lunch, and we were able to network with some truly amazing people.”
The Immunization Champion award program, formerly known as the CDC Childhood Immunization Champion Award, is an annual award hosted by the Association of Immunization Managers that honors individuals who do an exemplary job of promoting or fostering vaccinations in their communities, according to the association’s website.
The award isn’t just about meeting requirements, Schultz said. It represents countless hours of organizing appointments and transportation, educating families, following up on records and making sure no student falls through the cracks.
“It highlights the strength of the systems we’ve built together and the care that goes into every step of the immunization process,” she said.
The award is also a celebration of teamwork.
“None of this would be possible without the effort of our entire nursing staff and the support of our district partners,” Schultz said. “We truly are at our best when we work together. Teamwork makes the dream work, and this achievement is proof of that.”
Schultz expressed her gratitude to all those who support the district’s immunization efforts.
“I want to give a special thank you to Missy Martinez in the Technology Department for creating an amazing immunization tracking tool for us; to our social workers for assisting nurses with phone calls and appointments; to our principals for supporting nurses; and to our district leadership for their ongoing support,” she said. “Thank you to our incredible nurses for everything you do. This award belongs to all of us, and I couldn’t be prouder to lead such an amazing team.”