Rosemount, Minn. (Aug. 24, 2026) — Mary Langworthy, Health Services Coordinator for Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools (District 196), has been selected as Minnesota’s 2026 Immunization Champion by the Association of Immunization Managers and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The statewide recognition celebrates her leadership in executing a comprehensive districtwide health initiative that brought 99.8% of students into immunization compliance.
At the start of the 2025-26 school year, more than 6,000 students across District 196, representing approximately 20% of total enrollment, were missing required immunization records or exemptions. Facing decreased vaccination rates following the pandemic, Langworthy and the District 196 nursing team overhauled enforcement procedures and regulatory workflows to ensure student health and safety.
Through targeted family communications, strategic clinic partnerships, and 15 district-hosted immunization clinics, the team drastically reduced noncompliance:
- Reduced the noncompliant student count from 6,117 in August 2025 to 40 by the end of the exclusion deadline.
- 19 district schools achieved 100% compliance on day one, and 13 schools had zero student exclusions.
- Provided translated family outreach, temporary hardship exemptions, and direct support to overcome transportation and scheduling barriers.
“Our nurses were completely dedicated to this process and to supporting our families,” said Langworthy. “I couldn’t be prouder of what we were able to accomplish together. As a result of their hard work and our community partnerships, our students, families and broader community will benefit from increased protection against preventable diseases, especially those most vulnerable.”
"Mary’s exceptional leadership and proactive approach embody our district's commitment to the well-being of every student," said District 196 Superintendent Michael Bolsoni. "By breaking down barriers for our families and prioritizing health education, Mary and her team have created a safer, healthier environment where our students can focus on learning and thriving."
“Mary Langworthy’s passion for immunization work is rooted in her commitment to protecting student health and ensuring equitable access to preventive care,” said Alecia Hooper, District 196 Licensed School Nurse Coach, who nominated Langworthy for the award. “She approaches this work as an opportunity to partner with families, provide education, and remove barriers.”
Under Langworthy’s leadership, the District 196 nursing department was also recognized with a 2026 Dakota County Public Health Achievement Honorable Mention.
District 196 will build on this progress during the 2026-27 school year, continuing to organize school-based clinics and maintaining designated fall (Oct. 22) and spring (March 18) compliance dates.
Read MDH’s Immunization Champion Award News Release
View District 196 Immunization School Board Report
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District 196 provides boundless opportunities and infinite possibilities for more than 30,000 students in early childhood, K-12 and adult education programs, as well as community education programs for lifelong learners of all ages.
District 196 serves more than 160,000 residents in the cities of Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Coates, Empire, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville and Vermillion Township in Dakota County, Minnesota.