The Newsmeister

Students Receive American Legion Award for Saving Teacher's Life

From left, Jaret Hoschak, Sarah Sabol, Connie Root, Andy Riggs and Mark Curtis

Seven months after they helped save the life of their 6^th grade science teacher, four McCord Junior
High School students have been recognized by the American Legion Auxiliary for their quick-thinking actions.

Sarah Sabol, Jaret Hoschak, Mark Curtis and Andy Riggs were presented the auxiliary’s Youth Hero Award on June 4 at the school’s year-end academic awards assembly.

The students acted swiftly when their teacher, Connie Root, collapsed in their classroom Nov. 9.  Sarah, using the classroom phone, called a teacher in a nearby classroom. Andy hustled next door
to another teacher’s classroom.  Jaret and Mark sprinted to the cafeteria where they found the school’s principal, Keith Limes, and Kathleen Theiss, a teacher.

Quick Thinking Saves Teacher's Life

Connie and Rich Root celebrate Connie's return home after her brush with death

SYLVANIA, Ohio – Sometimes, the difference between living and dying can be measured in seconds.
 
Such was the case the morning of Nov. 9 at McCord Junior High School. Connie Root, a 6th grade science teacher, had just told the 23 students in her fifth-period class she wasn’t feeling well and would be taking the following day off to visit her doctor.

The students began working on an assignment. Connie returned to her desk. There, she began writing a reminder to her substitute. It was approaching noon. Connie got part of one word down and, suddenly, pitched forward, sprawling across her desk.