When an Eisenhower Elementary student accidentally swallowed the small metal circle from his pop can lid, three staff members saw his distress and went into action. At the June 9 USD 428 Board of Education meeting, Kelsey Strickland, Abigail Jonas and Cyleigh Unruh received the district R.O.S.E. award, Recognizing Outstanding Support of Education.

School Board President Jacquie Disque read the description of what happened one month earlier. During lunchtime on Friday, May 9, a student was showing signs of distress and music teacher Kelsey Strickland immediately came to his aid. “She determined that the student accidentally swallowed the lid of a pop can, which was lodged in the student’s throat.” Strickland then ran to get assistance from Cyleigh Unruh, the school nurse, and Abigail Jonas, the principal. They tended to the student, kept him calm, and made sure he got immediate medical attention.

“The student was taken to the emergency room and, upon evaluation, required a surgical procedure to remove the pop can lid from their esophagus. Thanks to the quick thinking and actions of these district staff, the student received prompt medical care and has made a complete recovery without any serious injuries.”

Board member Aaron Emerson joined Superintendent Khris Thexton in presenting the award, revealing the fact that the student in distress was his son.

The metal disc from the pop can has been framed and his son no longer drinks sodas from “pop tops,” Emerson said.

“We’re glad you were there,” Disque told the staff members.