Highline Public Schools celebrated School Nurse Day this week by honoring nurses across the district during its first-ever DAISY Award ceremony.
The district is the first in Washington state to partner with the DAISY Foundation to recognize school nurses through the DAISY Award program. Highline is also one of 10 school districts nationwide to launch the program.
The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that honors nurses for extraordinary compassion and clinical skill.
Assistant Superintendent Kisa Hendrickson praised nurses for the role they play in supporting student health and learning across the district.
“Sometimes school nurses are the only preventive or intervention healthcare support some students receive,” Hendrickson said. “You eliminate barriers so students can learn and succeed.”
The district recognized 20 nurses nominated for the 2026 Highline DAISY Award, with Roberta Bilic, BSN, RN, being selected as the first recipient in its history.
According to her nomination, Bilic was recognized for her calm presence, clinical expertise and support for students and staff during emergency situations. The nomination stated that she helped teach seizure rescue medication procedures while creating a calm and supportive environment.
“She treated each student with respect and dignity, helping them feel comfortable and safe in her care,” the nomination stated.
Bilic received the DAISY Foundation’s “Healer’s Touch” sculpture, which is presented to DAISY honorees worldwide.
The ceremony concluded with recognition of all Highline nurses for their work supporting student health, safety and belonging throughout the district.
2026 Highline DAISY Award Nominees:
- Bethany Suhn
- Cheryl DeLa Cruz
- Cindy Nguyen
- Dominic Rossbotham
- Jessica Swart
- Katie Parker
- Laura Golden
- Lily Cohen
- Lizzy Vitello
- Lois McGehee
- Michelle Watson
- Naisha Erickson
- Naomi Williams
- Roberta Bilic
- Sarah Nielsen
- Soo Jee Lee
- Stacy Acorda
- Stacy Woodard
- Trina Giese
2026 Daisy Award Recipient:
- Roberta Bilic, BSN, RN
