At a public meeting on October 11, the Connetquot Central School District and Board of Education honored three staff members for saving the lives of students in two separate incidents who were choking on food during lunch.
The first incident took place on September 22, when a kindergarten student at Edward J. Bosti Elementary began choking on a chicken nugget they had brought from home. Aides Lori Stellwagen and Amy Loretta immediately assisted the child, administering abdominal thrusts to dislodge the nugget.
The second incident happened on September 27 at Sycamore Avenue Elementary School when a fifth grade student also began choking on food; aide Samantha Gallo saw the child in distress and immediately and successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver.
Teacher's aides Lori Stellwagen, Amy Loretta, Samantha Gallo received the thanks of school officials and parents, along with certificates of appreciation before a packed audience of residents that evening.
"The Connetquot Central School District and the Board of Education is extremely proud of the selfless acts performed by all three aides and thanks them for ensuring the safety of each student," the school district said in a statement.