On Tuesday, April 8, the Prince George’s County Council issued two proclamations honoring members of the community who have made outstanding, life-saving contributions. Chair Edward Burroughs III (District 8) and Council Member Wala Blegay (District 6) presented the proclamations to Egypt Middleton, the school nurse at Kettering Middle School who received a top honor, and Rodney Cook, a Retired Marine who intervened following a crash.
Egypt Middleton was named the 2025 School Nurse of the Year by the Maryland Association of School Health Nurses. She is the first Black nurse in the State of Maryland to receive this honor, as well as the first nurse from Prince George’s County Public Schools. Middleton, a nurse for more than two decades who has worked for PGCPS since 2011, was honored for her dedication to student well-being, advocacy and community engagement. She has also served as a visiting professor and clinical faculty member at Chamberlain College of Nursing for the past three years, mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals.
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Egypt Middleton for years, dating back to my time as legal counsel for the DC Nurses Association,” said Council Member Blegay. “Her passion for nursing and commitment to student health have always stood out. As the school nurse at Kettering Middle School, she continues to be a powerful advocate for our children and a shining example of excellence in school health. We are proud to honor her as Maryland’s School Health Nurse of the Year. This is a historic and well-deserved recognition.”
Rodney Cook, a Retired Marine, jumped into action to help save the life of a driver who crashed his car, due to a medical emergency, on Allentown Road, near Joint Base Andrews, in Morningside on January 24, 2025. Cook helped pull the man from his car, called 911, and rendered aid prior to the arrival of first responders. The driver spent two weeks in the hospital following the crash and said he believes Rodney Cook saved his life.
“Rodney Cook represents the values and ideals that all Prince Georgians should strive for. His willingness to help in a time of crisis shows the true value of neighbors helping neighbors,” said Chair Burroughs. “The Council is so grateful for Mr. Cook’s service to our country and his continued service to our community. There are heroes among us!”
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