Power of the Past, Celebrate the Present, Force of the Future Part 1: Our Story—NASN’s First 25 Years

In June 2018, NASN begins a yearlong 50th-anniversary celebration. This article is the first in a series exploring the history, examining the present, and visioning the future of our organization. Part 1 provides a historical account of the first 25 years of the organization and uncovers the passion of our past leaders in promoting the profession of school nursing and creating a national unified voice. With its inception in the United States in 1902, school nurses seeking professional affiliation joined where they were welcome. Unfortunately, no single organization was open and willing to speak on behalf of all school nurses. Through partnerships, collaboration, advocacy, sacrifice, and unwavering determination, a group of school nurses leaders successfully birthed our organization. Yes, the 50th anniversary of NASN deserves a celebration