If you ask Charlee Williams what she does as a school nurse, you won’t just hear about thermometers and ice packs. Her answer won’t be quick—and it shouldn’t be. Because at Central Academy of Technology and Arts (CATA), where students juggle AP classes, college applications, extracurriculars and the everyday challenges of adolescence, Williams provides something more vital than medical support.
She creates trust. She promotes calm. She provides care.
“School nursing is more than just Band-Aids on booboos,” she said. “It is about creating a safe, healthy and nurturing environment that allows students to grow to their potential. It is about establishing relationships with students. Being able to do this for others gives me a sense of pride in myself and my work as a school nurse.”
On May 7, surrounded by school nurses from across the district, Williams was named Union County Public Schools’ 2024–2025 School Nurse of the Year. The celebration, held on School Nurses Appreciation Day, also honored fellow finalists Bonnie Broadwell from Wesley Chapel Elementary and Wendy Duemmler from Stallings Elementary for their outstanding service to student health and wellness.
Though new to CATA this school year, Williams is not new to school nursing. She has served Union County Public Schools for 14 years and brings more than two decades of experience in nursing, including pediatric care and public health. Her background allowed her to quickly connect with and meet the needs of high school students.
“She joined us over the summer and, from day one, became part of our family,” said CATA Principal Kevin Beals. “Thanks to how she approaches her work, the transition for our staff and students was seamless. She builds strong relationships with students, staff and families, which is important. We love having her here.”
To Beals, Williams represents what it means to be a school nurse who adapts to whatever the day demands.
“At times, yes, they’re called upon just for their medical background,” he said. “Other times, they’re counselors, sources of support, or simply a breath of fresh air when it's needed most. Nurse Charlee is that for us. She’ll jump in without hesitation and help out in any way. So, while it’s always important to have a dedicated medical professional in the building in case of emergencies, she’s just as effective on all the other days, too.”
During his remarks at the celebration, Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan thanked the nurses and emphasized their daily impact.
“When it comes to the health and safety of our children and our staff, a dedicated nurse in every building is absolutely essential,” he said. “We are incredibly fortunate to have such strong leaders in our schools who go above and beyond every day.”
He also announced that UCPS is advocating for a five-year plan to reinstitute a full-time nurse in every school building, a move supported by the Union County Board of Education’s recent budget recommendation.
For Williams, receiving recognition alongside so many devoted colleagues was a heartfelt moment that highlighted the significance of their collective work.
“It was emotional,” she said. “I looked around that room and saw so many wonderful nurses who are professional and caring in many different ways. Just to be singled out in that group was humbling and made me very happy.”
Williams became a school nurse so she could have the same schedule as her children while they were in school. Now that her children are grown, she has discovered something more meaningful.
“I figured out it wasn’t that I was doing this for my kids,” she said. “It was for the kids. I truly enjoy watching them grow, seeing them come back after graduation and sharing the careers and lives they’ve built. That’s when I realized why I’m still here.”
In her role, where compassion meets expertise, Williams proves daily that healing does not always come from medicine.
05/08/2025
