2024 ALASKA SCHOOL NURSE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER MORGAN HEGG

Every year, the Alaska School Nurses Association (ASNA) recognizes a school nurse who exemplifies the high standards of our profession, awarding this individual the School Nurse of Excellence Award (SNEA) in Alaska. In 2024, the recipient of this award is Morgan Hegg, BSN, RN, NCSN. Morgan has been the school nurse at Iditarod Elementary School, in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD), for the past nine years. She was presented with this prestigious award at our Annual conference this past weekend in Anchorage. 

Morgan believes that giving students knowledge empowers them to make decisions that are imperative for a healthy future. To promote that knowledge, Morgan collaborated with the school counselor and reached out within their community to organize and host a Health and Safety Fair with 18 different community resources, including outdoor safety, mental health, health and nutrition, and Earth Safety.

Morgan demonstrated her advanced knowledge by earning National Board Certification in School Nursing (NCSN) in 2018. Professionally she is an active member of the Alaska School Nurses Association (ASNA) and the National Association of School Nurses (NASN). Using her expertise and background, Morgan explores opportunities to develop and implement policies that improve the health and safety of her school community. She participated on committees for a new electronic health record system and an improved student information system for her school district and then piloted both in her school to ensure they were best for their needs. Her willingness to participate and aid in positive improvements for both her own practice and for her district is impressive and noteworthy.

Because she serves many students considered living at poverty level, Morgan piloted a new project for Frontline Mission to create and distribute food bags to those in need at her school. This program brought out a tremendous outpouring of gratitude from families that truly needed help, keeping food on the table during winter and spring breaks. Morgan also piloted the project Care-A-Van through the Lion’s Club for vision screenings. This filled a great need for her school. During this mass screening, an ophthalmologist was on site. When a student did not pass their vision screening, they were able to access an exam and even free glasses for students who qualified, breaking barriers to medical needs for her students.

Morgan is a strong advocate and moving force for her school and community.

Testimonials abound: “Nurse Morgan is incredibly knowledgeable, skilled, and gifted in her field!” “She is always willing to go the extra mile to support the school, at times in ways that are outside of her job duties as she recognizes how these efforts contribute in positive ways to the overall outcomes and vision of the school.” “Her daily mission is to empower students with the knowledge and skills to make healthy and sustainable life choices, reflecting her deep commitment to their overall well-being.”