Debbie Hackett Tribute
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Debbie Hackett in the MSA infirmary where she has worked with students for 23 years.
Written by Rick France, former Headmaster of Miller School.
As Head Nurse and Counselor for Miller School since 2000, Debbie has ministered to the needs of hundreds of students. Her kind manner and gentle interaction with every student have created a sense of confidence for each student in that they can always seek out Ms. Hackett for whatever ails them.
Debbie Hackett is a rare healthcare professional with a background in nursing and counseling. This combination has always served MSA students well because she has the insight to see that a physical complaint could often be something a little more spiritual. Ranging from broken hearts to wounded knees, Ms. Hackett always offers solace and comfort. Her wonderfully easy, probing manner enables her to get to the heart of things.
Years before the Pandemic, Ms. Hackett was part of a task force that encouraged all schools to make plans for a catastrophic health issue. She was at the forefront of addressing the annual flu season by working with the Health Department to administer flu shots at school. She led the charge against whooping cough outbreaks and their prevention, although many area schools would close for a period due to significant infections in their schools. Students will recall Ms. Hackett offering advice on several health-related issues for their information and preparedness. Over the years, she helped plan for and orchestrate whole-school educational experiences on various health issues.
How in the world might someone prepare for such a career? For Ms. Hackett, it started at Florida Atlantic and Florida State Universities; she then taught at Lenoir-Rhyne College, later enrolling at Auburn University, where she obtained her Master’s degree and taught for seven years. Ms. Hackett has taught throughout her career and, while at Miller School, taught at Piedmont Virginia Community College. This role as teacher certainly enhanced her effectiveness in a school setting. While at Auburn she met her husband, Ray, an internationally acclaimed college educator, administrator, and consultant. Ray’s infectious positive outlook on life only enhanced Debbie’s natural goodness. Debbie also stays involved in the community by participating in Stream Watch and the Batesville Therapeutic Horse program.
Debbie Hackett takes on a huge responsibility for many individuals' well-being. Of course, she reflects this in her own life, where she exercises the example of a good, nutritious diet, regular physical exercise working with her horses at home, and exhibiting an attitude of giving to others at all times.
Alumni often describe Miller School of Albemarle as family, whether from fifty years ago or last year. Debbie Hackett is a vital part of that family, although she never seeks accolades or recognition for all that she has enabled students to achieve. While it might look like Ms. Hackett was only one aspect of the program, students know they could not have done it without her.
So, upon her retirement, MSA acknowledges that good schools are composed of extraordinary individuals who provide professional care and guidance to those who walk its halls. It will be difficult to picture a day at MSA functioning without her, but we know it will because she has set an example for those who will follow that the lifeblood of a school comes down to each individual. She did her best, and MSA enjoyed the benefit.
