Four students and one alumna from the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, Coral Gables, were honored in November during the March of Dimes Nurse of the Year event at the InterContinental Hotel in Doral.

Denise Harris, RN

Valerie Halstead was recognized as the undergraduate Student Nurse of the Year; Sophia Khawly, RN, was honored as the graduate Student Nurse of the Year; Aubrey Florom-Smith, RN, BSN, a PhD student and Jonas Scholar recipient, was recognized in the category of Rising Star of the year; PhD student Shakira Henderson, RN, BSN, was named in the category of Best Practice/Quality & Risk Management; and SONHS alumna Denise Harris, RN, was honored as the Leadership-Executive of the year.

Shakira Henderson, RN

March of Dimes annually hosts the Nurse of the Year program, which honors the contributions of nurses who have demonstrated exceptional patient care, compassion and service. Finalists are nominated by their peers, coworkers and patients based on their commitment to their profession and community, as well as dedication to excellence.

Sponsors for the event included Miami Children’s Hospital, Kidz Medical Services, Dade Medical College, Baptist Health South Florida, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Florida and South Florida Hospital News.

For more information on March of Dimes activities, visit MarchofDimes.com.Ÿ