U-46 recognizes employees for saving student's life

The Elgin Area School District U-46 school board Monday night recognized four employees for saving the life of a student at the Independence Center for Early Learning in Bartlett last month.

Two transportation employees and two district nurses worked quickly and collaboratively on the morning of May 24 to revive a student on a school bus, providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and using an automated external defibrillator while waiting for first responders. The student was later taken to a hospital and is doing well today, officials said.

The school board recognized bus driver Carol Olinger, route assistant Kesha Isabell, and nurses Carlene Kellenberger and Mickey Rau with certificates.

"We know that our employees consistently practice great collaboration and professionalism," U-46 CEO Tony Sanders said. "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."