In 1977, the first Star Wars movie premiered in theatres.
It was a turning point for cinema.
That same year, Karen East became a nurse.
And that would eventually become a turning point for North East ISD.
East has spent 47 years in nursing.
She worked for hospitals from Dallas to Waco, eventually making her way to San Antonio and our District. She has spent the past 20 years offering help and healing to our students, in some cases literally saving their lives.
“The emergencies stick out. A lot can happen during a school day. We are first responders. It’s not just Band-Aids and ice packs.”
East was one of the first registered nurses at Reagan High School when it opened. She then moved to Johnson High School when it opened. She has dedicated two decades of her life to helping NEISD students. This District is where her kids grew up and graduated. It’s where she met lifelong friends. And it’s the place where her nursing career will end. East is retiring from nursing at the end of this school year, which is a bit bittersweet.
“I will miss my kids coming and just talking to me about things that have happened in their day. I will miss the staff too. It’s nice to have people you work with who are your friends, making it fun to come to work. It’s all the little things that add up. I have loved my time here.”
NEISD nurses are often unsung heroes in our students’ educational journeys. We appreciate their dedication to the profession and their students.
East will be missed, but she has left a lasting impression on the students and schools she has served.
If you want to thank an educator, we’ve made it easy. You can send them a Staff Shout Out, and they will be notified. You can also share more information about the experience and tell your story.
