The Maine Association of School Nurses (MASN) has recognized Sherri Vail of Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro as Maine’s 2026-2027 School Nurse of the Year.
This annual award honors an outstanding Maine school nurse for their contributions to the school and community they serve. The award celebrates an individual who demonstrates leadership in six key areas of practice: care provision, program management, health education, professional development, community involvement, and research.
Vail brings a wealth of nursing experience to her role. She began her nursing career as an Obstetrics Nurse in the U.S. Air Force, serving for four years before returning to Maine. She spent 18 years as a Labor and Delivery Nurse at Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta, followed by roles in ambulatory surgery and surgical quality at Pen Bay Medical Center, where she implemented the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Now a nationally certified school nurse, Vail is in her 11th year serving students at Medomak Valley High School.
A leader in her district, Vail was instrumental in merging Lincoln Health’s School-Based Health Center with the Medomak Valley High School Health Office. This partnership has provided students with the opportunity, if desired, to seek assistance from a nurse practitioner for health needs and a behavioral health clinician for social/emotional needs during school hours. She also leads the annual RSU 40 Medical Advisory Committee meeting and established her school’s Medical Emergency Response Team, ensuring that her school staff is prepared to respond swiftly to emergencies.
“What I most appreciate about Sherri, beyond her exceptional clinical skills, is her compassionate, empathetic, logical, and truly beautiful nature – inside and out…she is non-judgmental, supportive, and caring…she is calm, efficient, and extremely knowledgeable,” her nominator said.
Vail is a valuable member of her school community and contributes to the community in many ways. She is the co-advisor of her school’s Sources of Strength Team, a group of students focused on mental health initiatives, suicide prevention, and positive schoolwide messages of hope, help, and strength. She is also a valuable member of her school’s Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) team, a multidisciplinary team that meets regularly to identify and meet the needs of students who struggle with attendance, academics, or behavior challenges. She also serves on the Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) Advisory Board, helping students access this statewide program that helps prepare them for career success.
Vail not only cares about her students, but she is also deeply committed to the well-being of her staff. As the RSU 40 Wellness Ambassador, she has coordinated engaging health activities for faculty and spearheaded numerous schoolwide programs, including fitness challenges and weight management groups. Their success reflects Vail’s consistent encouragement and commitment to leading by example. Through her positive support and the example she sets, she inspires others to succeed.
To learn more about Sherri Vail, the Maine School Nurse of the Year award, or the Maine Association of School Nurses, visit the MASN website.
