The Examiner U-46 News FeedU-46 honors four staff for life-saving efforts By Seth Hancock
The Board of Education in School District U-46 honored four employees for saving the life of a student from Bartlett’s Independence Center for Early Learning during the accent on achievement portion of its meeting on Monday, June 20.
District nurses Carlene Kellenberger and Mickey Rau, driver Carol Olinger and route assistant Kesha Isabell, had to help a student on a morning in May according to a district press release. The child needed CPR and a defibrillator was used while waiting for first responders to arrive.
Kellenberger and Isabell were in attendance at the board meeting to receive their certificates of achievement.
“It was a group effort” Kellenberger said who added she’s been in U-46 for 17 years and it was “the first time I’ve had to resuscitate a child.”
“I’ve done that for many years prior, but it’s totally different when it’s a child,” Kellenberger said. “He’s doing fine. The last I’ve talked to his mom, he’s had a really good summer so far.”
Isabell said she’s not a mother, but she reacted like one that day.
“When we get on the bus with the children, they become our children and I reacted how a mother would react,” Isabell said. “I don’t have any kids, so I took the time and I had to think about ‘what would a mom do.’ I had to stand back and let everyone do their job, but I also helped.”
U-46 CEO Tony Sanders said in the press release: “We know that our employees consistently practice great collaboration and professionalism. Our pride turns to awe when we watch how these practices save a life. We are beyond grateful to recognize and honor these individuals who each played a significant role in saving a student’s life.”
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