The Salisbury Township School District Board of Directors held its reorganization meeting Dec. 4 which featured changes to the school board as well as a powerful presentation by the athletic department.

The primary order of business was to confirm Carol Klinger, Courtney Gibbs and Samuel DeFrank as directors for new board terms. David Haddinger was brought back on for two years to fill the seat vacated by Susan Lea, who has moved out of the district.

After the confirmations of the previously named members, elections for president and vice-president were held. In unanimous decisions, George Galantis was elected board president and Samuel DeFrank was elected vice president.

“I thank you for your confidence,” Gatanis said following the vote. “I won’t let you down. Everyone’s opinions will be treated with respect....We want to make sure our kids are educated in a way that prepares them for the world today as well as for what is to come.”

The meeting then moved to a very important recognition.

Director of Student Activities Monica Deeb, described an incident which could have claimed the life of a student in November. During cheerleading practice at Salisbury Middle School on the afternoon of Nov. 4, cheerleader Reese Petrie fell ill. The swift movements of the teammates, volunteer coaches and trainers on site that day saved this girl’s life. Julie Nunn was the certified athletic trainer on duty that afternoon. When the situation worsened and the student went into cardiac arrest, Nunn started CPR and knew to retrieve the Automated External Defibrillator. She then operated it safely and correctly in a way that sustained Petrie until first responders arrived.

Petrie’s family gave an emotional thank you to the entire staff and all the students on site who contributed to protecting their child’s life.

Nunn accepted a Lifesaver award from Salisbury Township Police Department Sgt. Donald Sabo. He noted in his presentation he has long advocated for having AED units everywhere possible and for universal training on their use. “It’s not training for an ‘if’, it’s a ‘when,’” Sabo said. As of today, with help from Sabo’s advocacy, over 1,000 students and staff have been educated on proper use of the device.

Joe Stofanak, program manager at St. Luke’s Sports Medicine Relations, commended the staff’s good work and presented Nunn with the Extraordinary Care Award, along with a new AED unit for the district.

Everyone was grateful for one another’s speed and care in resolving the issue, and happy to see Reese Petrie in attendance, smiling.