On Sept. 25, several Renton High School staff members received a Governor’s Lifesaving Award after saving the life of a student who had collapsed during physical education class after experiencing a cardiac event.

At the 73rd annual Washington State Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Conference, Renton High School’s Security Officer Farley Haruo, District Safety Officer John Holbrook, Assistant Principal Rashaad Powell, Office Manager Carmen Trezza and P.E. teacher Josh Willecke were recognized for “personally performing urgently required hands-on action in a lifesaving effort.”

Last year, the staff members all worked together with nurse Danica McLain to save the life of a 10th grade boy who had collapsed during Willecke’s P.E. class.

After a student notified Willecke that the boy had become unresponsive, he quickly called for support from Renton High staff.

While Haruo made the call to 911, McLain began chest compressions, and Powell retrieved the automated external defibrillator (AED) machine, before the assistant principal notified the student’s mother. Holbrook took over compressions so that McLain could use the AED to shock the student’s heart before continuing with CPR.

When emergency medical personnel arrived, they were guided to the student by Trezza. Powell also brought the student’s mother to his side before the student was transported to Children’s Hospital in Seattle. The student has since made a full recovery and was able to return to school.

“We’re extremely proud and thankful for the actions taken by these dedicated staff members whose decisive actions helped save the life of our student,” said Randy Matheson, Renton School District’s Executive Director of Community Relations. “Though we hope to never have to use such skills, we consistently plan and train to be ready for such an event. These professionals represent all our staff who provide our students with a world-class education and safeguard them while in our care.”

Though McLain was part of the response to the student’s cardiac event, the Governor’s Lifesaving Awards are given to healthcare professionals whose actions “must not be part of their normal duties, but must be above and beyond the call of duty.”

The staff members were also recognized by Superintendent Dr. Damien Pattenaude, who awarded them with the Renton School District’s Superintendent’s Award for Service in 2023.