Mary Jo Youngmark, 25-year nurse at West Aurora High School, led the school’s homecoming parade Thursday, Sept. 23, as grand marshal.
An Oswego resident, Youngmark has worked in the nursing field for more than 45 years. In addition to serving as school nurse, she trains other Dist. 129 school nurses and health assistants.
Erica Kegarise, West assistant principal, nominated Youngmark for the honor. According to Kegarise, the school’s Parent-Teacher-Student Organization helps organize and execute the annual homecoming parade, including naming the grand marshal.
Kegarise added, “She (Youngmark) has been instrumental in helping us work through this pandemic over the course of the year. We thought this would a well-deserved honor to recognize her, her passion for West High and show our appreciation for all that she has done!”
Youngmark is a national board certified school nurse, an accreditation recognizing knowledge, experience, and competence in the nursing practice. Her other accreditations are MSN, RN, APRN, NCSN, PEL/school nurse, DCES.
The grand marshal grew up on a Dixon dairy farm and graduated from Dixon High in 1973. Youngmark credits her father, who milked cows daily and worked in the fields, with her work ethic, determination and drive. She has raised four children, all West Aurora graduates.
—Al Benson