Westridge Elementary’s Angie Oest Earns Missouri School Nurse of the Year Award

Westridge Elementary nurse Angie Oest has been named the 2024 School Nurse of the Year by the Missouri Association of School Nurses (MASN).

“I feel grateful to have the opportunity to serve my community and for the people who support me,” Oest said. “I wouldn't be able to do what I do if it wasn't for the support I get from my school staff, teachers, administrators, school nurse colleagues, district lead nurse, the Westridge community, the district and my family."

A National Board-Certified School Nurse, this is Oest’s seventh year at Westridge. Previously, she was a nurse in the Kirkwood School District for two years.

Oest was recently named the 2023 School Nurse of the Year by the St. Louis Suburban School Nurses’ Association (SLSSNA). 

“Mrs. Oest is a warm, engaging individual who teaches others by example, is inclusive and consistently exhibits curiosity and motivation to learn,” said one of her nominators. “She always displays compassion and caring for her students by caring for them as if they were her own children.”

As a nurse, Oest said she knew she wanted to work with kids.

“When my family relocated to St. Louis, I began substituting as a school nurse through a nursing agency and quickly fell in love with the job,” she said.

Each year, MASN recognizes one school nurse who has demonstrated excellence in school nursing practice and leadership in school health.

“It has been made evident through nominations and recommendation letters that Nurse Oest deserves this award,” said MASN President Natalie Botkin.

Oest will be recognized at the National Association of School Nurse Conference in Chicago on June 28.