Hoover, Ala. – Elisabeth Goodman, BSN, RN, the dedicated nurse at Shades Mountain Elementary School, was named the 2026 Alabama Registered School Nurse of the Year during the Alabama Association of School Nurses’ annual conference in Fairhope.
Recognition of excellence
The award highlights nurses who excel in clinical practice, student advocacy, health education, leadership, collaboration and service to their school communities. Superintendent Kevin Maddox praised Goodman’s impact, saying, “School nurses play a vital role in supporting student success, and Nurse Goodman consistently goes above and beyond to care for our students, families and community.”
Beyond the health room
Since joining Hoover City Schools in 2022, Goodman has expanded the role of school nursing well beyond the traditional health‑room duties. Before moving to Hoover, she worked in the hematology/oncology department at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, bringing valuable clinical experience to the district.
One of her signature achievements is the creation of Hoover City Schools’ first nurse‑led Community Health & Wellness Fair. What began as a single‑school event has grown into a citywide resource featuring more than 70 vendors and participation from multiple school nurses. The annual fair connects families with health information, community organizations and wellness resources throughout the Hoover area.
Supporting teachers, staff and students
Goodman also spearheads wellness initiatives for teachers and staff, organizing exercise groups and health challenges that encourage healthy lifestyles across campuses. Her efforts helped Shades Mountain Elementary earn the America’s Healthiest School Award from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
Former Hoover City Schools Lead Nurse Julie Kent noted, “The depth of Nurse Goodman’s heart and compassion for her students is evident to all who visit her health room. Recently, the entire second‑grade class voted her their school hero for the Liberty Learning Program. Her unconditional love and support, demonstrated daily, have clearly made a lasting impression on her students. She exemplifies the heart of a true servant leader.”
Upcoming community event
Residents can see Goodman’s community‑focused work in action this fall. The Hoover City Schools Community Health & Wellness Fair is scheduled for Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Hunter Street Baptist Church parking lot. The free event will feature food trucks, games, health resources, giveaways and local vendors, continuing Goodman’s mission of connecting Hoover families with resources that support healthy living.
Looking ahead
As Alabama’s School Nurse of the Year, Goodman will also be recognized at the National Association of School Nurses Conference in 2027, bringing Hoover’s success story to a national audience.
Original reporting: Hoover Sun — read the source article.
