One school nurse from each state across the nation is in the running to be named America’s Greatest School Nurse – and Alabama’s representative is from right here in Franklin County.

Vina High School’s Karen Blevins was chosen to represent Alabama in the nationwide contest, which is sponsored by Children’s Advil®, Children’s Robitussin® and Children’s Dimetapp®. Now it’s up to the voters to select which one of 51 – one from each state and from Washington, D.C. – school nurses will be honored for their exemplary service in caring for schoolchildren.

“I was shocked,” said Belvins, who got the news of her finalist status in early March. “I just couldn’t believe it.” She said Vina’s Bryna Lawler nominated her and encouraged others at Vina to do so. “I’m just overwhelmed by it.”

Submissions were gathered from across the country, with nominations being accepted through Feb. 23, and finalists – who each won $500 – are in the running to win the grand prize: an ultimate summer vacation. Votes can be cast from March 27 through April 16 at www.AmericasGreatestSchoolNurse.com.

The winning nurse will be announced May 5.