Haven students win plaudits for good deeds

NETHER PROVIDENCE >> An assortment of good deeds performed by Strath Haven High School students drew the praise of the school board at its meeting Monday night.

The first act to garner kudos was a successful rescue performed about a month ago by senior Grace Haase, who has been a member of the school’s student emergency team for two years.

While sitting in the lunchroom, Haase observed a fellow student who was apparently choking.

“She (Haase) immediately go up, went over and performed the Heimlich (maneuver),” dislodging whatever was disrupting the student’s breathing, Principal MaryJo Yannacone said.

Haase, who will attend Amherst University in the fall on a track-andfield scholarship, has undergone cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other emergency training as a member of the team, which is supervised by teacher Dan Zimmerman.

Both Haase and Zimmerman were presented with certificates of recognition.

The boys’ lacrosse team was saluted for its successful efforts to raise money to support services for area families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. The team, which participates in the “Play for the A’s” campaign, raised just over $10,000 last year and close to $20,000 this year through a tournament and other activities.

In a show of appreciation, the Taylor Community Foundation recently presented the team with an award as an “impact player in the community.”

Coach Jeff Hewlings accepted a certificate of recognition from the board on behalf team.

Lastly, the board hailed the organizers of the latest “Relay for Life” event, which raised money for the American Cancer Society and the Diane McCormick Scholarship Fund. Teams do laps around a track for 12 hours, with sponsors contributing for the distance walked.

Yannacone said two goals set out for the April 29 event were met. One was to collect more than $50,000 while the other was to top the total of $1 million for the 15 or so years of Strath Haven relays.

“That’s really astounding given the overwhelming majority of the work is done by students,” she said.

Student co-chairs Matt McAndrews, Claire VanDuyne and Julia Katcher were hailed, as were faculty advisors Jo-Ann Morris-Brady and Pat Keaveney. school of the