Bethel Elementary School nurse Robin Zophy was honored as Virginia’s School Nurse of the Year at the Virginia Association of School Nurses annual conference in Williamsburg.

Zophy, of Williamsburg, facilitates health programs for children and parents at Bethel, according to VASN president-elect Mary Gillespie. She coordinates annual vaccination clinics and dental screenings, and ensures that needy students have access to free eye exams and glasses.
As an advocate for children’s health, Zophy represented school nurses at a roundtable meeting at the U.S. Surgeon General’s forum on childhood obesity in 2009, and advocated for a ratio of one school nurse per 750 students before the education subcommittee of the Virginia General Assembly.

Gillespie said Zophy goes beyond expectations of her position to support students, school administration and staff by developing a relationship of trust and expertise. She renders excellent care and comfort to all, Gillespie said,...