Deb Herrmann was nominated by Anna Sonday, who submitted the below letter written by Gina Webb.
"It is with much excitement and delight to write this letter of recommendation on behalf of Deb Herrmann, who is the Marshall High School Licensed School Nurse. I have known Deb for over four years and have job shared with her for two years at the high school level.
Deb has been a mentor and great co-worker for the four years I have known her. From the start, Deb was an excellent leader who guided me in my school nursing experience. She was always available and willing to answer questions. She never thought a question was too simple or not relevant. If she did not know the answer right away, she would respond back with resources and information supporting her answer. Deb not only guided me in becoming a school nurse, but she has done the same for others, time and time again. She has been in the school district for many years mentoring nurses and staff. When asked if she ever became tired of orienting new school nurses she stated, 'No. I love to review and learn, and every time I teach something, I learn something new myself.' Deb displays characteristic of a lifelong learner.
This past year, she mentored two brand new school nurses in the middle of a pandemic. She covered for the school nurse at the middle school until they were able to start, which was a month into the school year. This meant she worked many days, nights, and weekends of overtime, rarely asking for overtime pay, if ever, and always without complaint. While working overtime and orienting two brand new nurses, she also stayed up to date with the ever-changing and evolving COVID-19 guidelines and recommendations. As if this was not enough, she also agreed to orient a local nursing student who needed clinical hours. Deb is always agreeing to orient and lead in educating local nursing students.
Deb was our advocate and leader in dealing with the pandemic. She continually offered her expertise and guidance when the administration came to the school nurses. She created a spreadsheet in the early weeks of COVID to track contacts and positive students or staff. Deb not only guided the school nurses, but the entire school community. She volunteered and ran a live district-wide Zoom meeting educating, explaining, and answering questions regarding the pandemic. She started the year by explaining and educating, and ended the school year coordinating a vaccination clinic for students at the high school. Deb found times during school hours for students to receive the vaccine after receiving permission from their guardians. This was completed during the last few weeks of school, thus instilling the importance of health care to students and families.
Deb did an outstanding job of collaborating with local and public health personnel. Many weekends and evenings were spent talking to the Minnesota Department of Health, local public health, and families regarding COVID19. She designed an email with attachments to send to families after personally calling them to explain the school’s guidelines. Deb is an expert at collaborating between schools, clinics, doctors, and therapists. Deb coordinated meetings with our Student Parent Connectors so they could help their families understand the school’s guidance. She also advocated for them to receive and distribute thermometers for families who did not have one in the home.
Deb continually goes above and beyond in the continuum of care regarding students and staff. She is like a case manager, counselor, advocate, and school nurse in one. She helps EL students find health care providers or make appointments. Deb advocates for all students to have access to care within the school and within the community. She is the go-to person in the district for helping students get vision exams or glasses, using resources to help pay and provide care. She helps coordinate Christmas gift drives for low-income families at the high school. Deb coordinates with staff and administrators to identify families who are in need. Then, she coordinates items they need to help them have a wonderful Christmas. She is also the leader of yellow ribbon at the high school.
Deb is not only an outstanding school nurse, but someone who's extremely involved in volunteer work within our small community. She balances school nursing with volunteer work and helps run her family's ranch in South Dakota. Deb is an overall expert school nurse who is constantly driven and dedicated to what she does. She is kindhearted, a true selfless leader, highly-driven, extremely knowledgeable in many fields, and someone never seems to stop. We often call her the Energizer bunny. She has impacted and changed so many lives in our school and community."
I have been thinking about what words I want to use to describe Deb ever since this nomination was announced- Deb truly has so many amazing qualities. This nomination couldn't be more fitting! When I became a school nurse just over a year ago after spending the last 18 years in other various nursing roles, she truly made me feel like I could succeed and thrive- even during a pandemic! I am so fortunate to be in a school district with 4 other health professionals and I believe Deb's leadership is what helps us all to shine! She has an ability to look at an individual situation and not only see what's right there but also what is going on in the broader picture- how the family, school, staff, community at large are all impacted- like a ripple in a pond. Using critical thinking skills and common sense and experience to face each day! All while smiling and laughing and encouraging everyone around her. Deb will step up to help anyone in need. She is a member of several community organizations and is trusted and loved by everyone in our school district. I feel truly blessed to have had wonderful mentors throughout my career- mentors who push nurses to look at the "whole person" and to meet every individual just where they are in life. School nursing has it's own set of challenges and dynamics and Deb has made it her life's mission to help students and families succeed. She is compassionate, caring, extremely knowledgeable and practical, too. Maybe we should add "Mary Poppins" to the list of names we call Deb alongside of the Energizer Bunny?! Thank you, Deb, for the difference you have made and continue to make in my life and in the lives of everyone around you!
Deb Herrmann IS a Life Changer! She has touched so many lives whether through her career as a school nurse or her many good works through volunteering. I was fortunate to meet Deb through our membership in Sunrise Rotary and she instantly made an impression. She is practical, but always has others best interests at heart. She is dedicated, especially these past two years handling all the COVID challenges, of which their continues to be many. She is relatable, whether to a student, parent, teacher or co-worker. Deb not only is a Director on the Prairie Home Hospice Board, she is also often seen helping the organization with events and projects. She is active in her church and as a member of Sunrise Rotary she is always the first to raise her hand to volunteer, or contribute.
Even with her day job and volunteer works, she finds the dedication to raise cattle on her family farm, instilling in her the importance of family and a strong work ethic.
Finally, Deb is a solid go to and get it done person, a person of high character, and a supportive peer and friend.
I have had the pleasure of working with Deb for the past 13 years at MHS. There are many things that stick out when I think of what Deb has done for our school and community on a regular basis. I've gone to her with numerous questions and concerns about students and each time she has been thorough in her analysis, suggestions, and follow-up. What amazes me is that for most of my student questions and concerns, she had already met with the student/talked with their parents/visited with other teachers and was aware of things I was bringing forth. Deb is constantly on the go and willing to help those in need both at school and in the community. I'm not sure how she does it all! We are lucky to have her as a member of our teams! She is truly one of a kind!
Congratulations and well done, Deb! Your students, staff, and families are so lucky to have you advocating for them!
Yes! I second so many of the things others have mentioned! Deb is an absolutely amazing human! Energetic, positive, problem solver, advocate, and learner are just a few of the words that Deb exemplifies! She impacts countless lives every single day! We are so blessed to have her in our school and community!
I have had the good fortune to work with Deb for over 20 years at Marshall High School. During that time, I have always been amazed with her energy and passion to support our students. This occurs in a variety of ways. On two occasions Deb has filled in for maternity leaves for our school counselors, she facilitates our teen anti-tobacco/vaping group, works with our teen suicide prevention group, and works with students and families on an individual basis every day in her role as our school nurse. Deb has made great community connections to better support our students and families as well. In addition to the outstanding work, she does for our students she also helps in organizing and delivery gifts to our families in need during the Christmas season. Lastly, Deb also is active in her service to our community by serving on the Board of Directors for Prairie Home Hospice and within the Sunrise Rotary group. Deb's caring soul and tireless work ethic to support the students and adults in our community are a wonderful example of selflessness and giving of oneself. Thank you, Deb, for all that you do, it is a pleasure to be your colleague!
Deb Herrmann is very deserving of this honor and award! I have worked with her for over 25 years and she is a professional in her work and she goes above and beyond in her role as school nurse. The challenges of the last years have only added to my respect for her willingness to do what is takes for the betterment of both our students and our school. She wears many "hats" as school nurse. Her expectations for students along with her knowledge and warm demeanor are second to none!
Deb goes above and beyond her duties during the school day. She stays late and comes in early to ensure the health and safety of students in the building. She is an organizer, a community volunteer and caregiver to many students and their families.
Deb - You are a doer! You are a person who acts rather than merely talking or thinking. You are always on your feet tending to the physical and mental health needs of students and staff. You have the unique ability to sense a problem and get it fixed. By being a doer, my students have been able to get glasses they could not afford. By being a doer, my students have been given meals and gifts that they never expected. By being a doer, my students feel comfortable coming to your office because they know you will listen to them with the help of Google Translate. By being a doer, you've filled in as a counselor, learned the position (and did great!), so students and staff could have a seamless start to the school year.
Thank you for being an awesome, energetic, and caring doer at Marshall High School!
Deb Herrmann is one of a kind. She truly has the best interest of our high school students in her mind, even if that is a hard conversation or tough spot to be in. Deb's empathy and sincerity for not only her students, but for everyone around her, is top notch. She is generous, hard working, and enjoys a good challenge. Those of us that know her are definitely blessed.
In the 20+ years that I have worked with Deb, she has always been a leader in doing what is best for students as well as the community. She has the confidence of the staff, students and all who have been lucky enough to work with her whether it is at school or in the community.
When there is a need...Deb is ready, willing, and able to help. Just a few of the things I know she has done: excellent COVID coordination/assistance in our district, mentoring many new and existing school nurses for MPS and surrounding schools, stepping in to help counsel students in course and career planning when there was no one else to fill the role, organizing adoption of local families for Christmas giving.
Thank you Deb for all you do for everyone around you! You are beyond deserving of this nomination!
This award is much deserved by Deb Herrmann! I have know Deb for the past 22 years, working with her at Marshall High School. I'm a teacher, and I've been so impressed with how Deb does her job. Her rapport with the students and staff is respectful, thoughtful, to the point and so helpful. She has been in my classroom several times as a guest teacher to talk about blood pressure, and she works with the health teachers to do CPR training with our freshmen. I am also privileged to work with her on the Prairie Home Hospice Board of Directors. She plays a critical role in that position. Organizing the annual Live Auction Event and she helps out in so many other ways, Volunteering her time to help fill in when needed at the different homes that PHH runs, reading names at the "Light Up the Night" events around Lyon County, working at the weekend events for "Light Up the Night" in Marshall, just to name a few. Her commitment to the community of Marshall and the surrounding area is outstanding, and I'm blessed to be able to work with her and call her a good friend. Whenever I've needed medical advice, she is my go-to person first, and she always helps me out. I adore her. Congratulations, Deb!
Deb is truly someone who always thinks of others before herself. She is one who gives to our school in so many ways. She has a nurse’s heart - always wanting to make life a little better for others.
I have been blessed and honored to know Deb for many years. My first school nursing job was a job share with Deb. I learned so much about nursing from her. She was and is always quick to answer my questions and guide me through something new. She continually puts the students first in all she does. Not only is she a wonderful friend and person, she is one of the hardest workers I have ever worked with. She is extremely organized and completely dedicated to school nursing. She is the epitome of a school nurse. Deb puts in countless hours that are unseen, unpaid and most people don't even know about, but she doesn't complain. To her, it's just part of what she does. Outside of school nursing, Deb has been a huge volunteer and advocate for Prairie Home Hospice. She has blessed countless people with her kindness, compassion and hard work. I'm blessed to call her a friend and co worker!
Deb is the type of person who always goes the extra mile. Whether it is in her calling as a nurse working with students or volunteering in her community in the myriad of activities she is involved in, she follows the Rotary belief of service above self. She is a person one can always count on and she, indeed, changes and impacts many lives along the way.
Deb has been a blessing to the students of Marshall Public Schools for decades. From heath and illness care to mental health support, she encourages both students and parents to be their best. Deb cared for three of my children during their years at MHS and although none of them had any sort of medical condition, I remember that sometimes they would go to see Deb to just lean on her strong supportive nature when life was getting to be too much. Life is hard for kids. Deb provided a safe, quiet environment without judgement and nurtured students in all the right ways to help them grow and flourish.
I have had the honor of knowing and working with Deb for over 25 years.
Deb is a go getter, take charge, make it happen person.
She is a real asset to the Marshall Public schools, especially at the high school she serves.
Being a school nurse for as long as Deb has she has seen the gamut of changes. She dives in and adapts.
Deb jokes about her type A personality, but it has served her well.
Deb is a role model for other school nurses across SW Minnesota and we Marshall school nurses are lucky to work alongside her.
Deb has always gone the extra mile to help others. Her commitment to the greater community of Marshall shows every day with her tireless efforts and volunteerism.
Deb Herrmann has been an instrumental board member, volunteer, advocate, & voice for Prairie Home Hospice and Community Care for many years. I am also honored to call her a friend of mine. Deb is just the type of woman that you "want in your corner" when you work for a community driven non-profit healthcare organization. Deb is always more than willing to help with anything that needs to be done at PHH. From cooking meals at Hospice Homes when needed, to co-chairing and working annual fundraising events, to helping with whatever projects need to be done. She is just always there whenever she is needed. Volunteerism and community support are the reasons that our organization is what it is today, and Deb Herrmann embodies those traits so perfectly. Individuals like Deb are rare, and so vital to the success of organizations like ours. I've also had the privilege of seeing Deb in her work space, with her students, advocating and educating with and for them. Her huge heart is the best part about her. Anyone can witness that within minutes of meeting her. She wholeheartedly deserves the title of "Life Changer".
I know Deb from being in a small group of women with me called, Friends in Service. We rely heavily on Deb for ideas on how we can help folks in the Marshall area. She shares ideas and is a leader in implementing them. Deb is also an outstanding member of the Marshall Community. She serves on many different boards and is always ready to do more than her share. She is first to volunteer and always has such an upbeat attitude. She is truly a life changer.
I too agree with every positive word that has been previously written about this lady who always finds time and kind words for everyone. I know her outside of the school setting in a small social service group. She is the one person we can count on to bring to our group the best ideas of where or what we as a group can be doing to be reaching out to someone or some group that is in real need that no one else in our community is funding or supporting.
The letter cannot be stated any better than it has already been.
Deb has been a wonderful person in all of the different roles she has had in the community. But know overall that every time you come into contact with her you will feel respected and valued. She continues to give from what is a seemingly endless source and we are grateful that she has chosen Marshall MN to practice a life that truly deserves the title of "Lifechanger of the Year".
Deb is an outstanding leader in everything that she does. She wants to help anyone and everyone, no matter what the situation is. When I was in high school 10+ years ago, Deb always was there for guidance and support for students. She came to work everyday throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to try to help as best as she can. In some of the toughest situations, she leads with a positive mind and outlook. Very grateful for all of her hard work.
Deb exemplifies the true meaning of a care giver, not only in the school district but in the community and her home. If there is a question Deb doesn't know she will find out, if she can't help with something she will find someone that will. Her love and compassion can be seen and felt. There is nothing this girl cannot do and will not strive to do if it's to better the life of one person. If we could clone Deb, just think what this world could look like.
Love her, she is everything you want in every situation
Precise, accurate and she loves kids. And they know it
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I have had the opportunity to work with Deb at Marshall High School throughout the past ten years. From my first interactions with Deb, it was evident that she was passionate about helping the students in our school. Deb consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that each student’s entire health and well-being is cared for.
In my role as a special education teacher, I collaborate with Deb often in order to meet the various needs of my students. Deb has not only assisted with the day-to-day medical needs that arise throughout the school year, but she also assists with finding resources to support students in all areas of life. Deb has helped foster connections for students with various transition supports and independent living resources so that students are able to develop skills to live independently upon graduation from high school. Deb is always willing to attend IEP meetings and meet with families in order to share these resources, as well as manage medical diagnosis information.
Deb is an incredible nurse, teacher, and advocate for her students. She is very deserving of the title, "Lifechanger of the Year."
I 100% completely agree with everything that Gina Webb mentioned in her letter above. I have known Deb for close to 32 years. During that time I've went to school with her kids, she was my basketball coach in middle school, my school nurse while I was in high school & now I am privileged to call her a co-worker and friend. Deb was my mentor last year when I was hired to help with Covid in the nurse office throughout our school district. Deb is our go-to person for anything that we need help with in the nurse office and almost all of the time she has the answers. If she doesn't have an answer, she always follows up and finds the answer. Her knowledge in every aspect of her job amazes me. I honestly don't know how she finds enough hours in the day to do everything she does. She is always more than ready and willing to help with anything that needs to be done. Deb truly cares about all the students in advocating for them and making sure they get the help they need, whether that help is in or out of school. Students come to the office looking for Deb because she always has a listening ear for them. She spends countless hours helping those who need help, guidance and support wherever it is needed. Deb was recently named our community 'Hospice Hero' for Prairie Home Hospice & Community Care. She has been an instrumental board member, volunteer, advocate & voice for Prairie Home Hospice for many years. The impact Deb has had on our school and community makes her so deserving of this award and so much more.
Deb works so hard to meet the needs of all of our students. She goes above and beyond on a daily basis to connect with students, address their overall health needs and ensure they have successful days at school. She is a professional whose knowledge and passion for school nursing is like no other! Her impact continues in her volunteer work in the community, specifically with Prairie Home Hospice. She will no double have a lasting impact on our community for years to come!
I agree with everything that was written by Gina Webb above 100%. I was one of the new school nurses Deb orientated last year during the pandemic. I have been a nurse for many years in various roles but was never a school nurse which was entirely new world. Deb was right there to orientate, during the summer time so I could be ready to go for the school year. Deb would take my calls at any time with any question and as stated above if she didn't know the answer she would research it and get right back to me with the answer. She was so influential in so many aspects of life and has touched so many people. Deb mentored me in dealing with the two student populations that I was the nurses for from 3rd and 4th grade and then the alternative high school kids grades 9th-12th. If a student was transitioning from the high school to the alternative high school Deb would call to ensure I understood the student so I could have a care for them at the alternative high school. Deb had so much compassion and caring for all these students, her #1 priority was always ensuring the student and their needs were met with whatever it took. She has the innate ability to care, offer guidance, but yet be firm with this students and co-workers to make sure the schools and community were a safe space for everyone to come to every day. I have worked with many people over my years and Deb and the impact she made on me and my career in one year is unexplainable. She is the most deserving of this award, that there are not enough words to explain everything she does and how she does it effortlessly and without complaint. She truly is an Energizer bunny in everything she does.
Deb has been a staple in the education of countless students at MPS. Currently, I have the opportunity to work with Deb as I am one of the school administrators, however I also attended high school at MPS and Deb was my school nurse. Then, and still today, Deb cares deeply about the students and helping them to achieve their goals and experience academic success. She works to help determine the route cause of students needs and then helps in the planning and implementation of supports and interventions. She knows the community well and has a plethora of resources to support our families. She is changing lives every day as a school nurse and is highly deserving of this award.
