PCES youngsters earn adult CPR certification

By Mike Lange
Staff Writer

    GUILFORD — When many people think of CPR courses, they automatically assume that it’s a program designed for adult participants. But that’s not the case at Piscataquis Community Elementary School in Guilford.
    On March 21 during the school’s morning assembly, 38 sixth-graders received Heartsaver CPR certificates from physical education teacher Sheryl Allen, signifying that they completed the six-hour course.

Observer photo/Mike Lange

HEARTSAVERS — Physical education teacher Sheryl Allen presents Heartsaver CPR certificates to some of the 38 sixth-graders who completed the course at Piscataquis Community Elementary School. The students were honored during the March 12 school assembly.

    In addition to learning effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation, they now know how to help a choking adult, assess the situation and phone the emergency response number.
    Allen, who is also a certified CPR instructor for Mayo Regional Hospital/Heartwise, also taught the course at Foxcroft Academy before accepting her current assignment at PCES.
    “As an educator, I always felt that CPR should be part of a school’s health curriculum.” Allen said. “Plus, all the course materials are free for the students. These youngsters should be very proud of what they’ve accomplished.”
    Students completing the CPR course are Megan Beckwith, Nolan Boone, Chelsea Cookson, Madelynn Crosby, Olivia Eastman, Caroline Goggin, Wayne Haley, Emily Hinrichs, Jorga Hunt, Dylan Lyon, Taylor Marson, Zachary Priest, Dakota Raymond, Bailey Richards, Parker Richardson, Preston Ricker, Daisey Willey, Colby York, Mya Young, Robert Masse, Melissa Burdin, Gwen Burgess, Caitlyn Drinkwater, Austin Elderkin, Sidney Gebo, Ariona Gerry, Madison Gilbert, Medeau Gustin, Noah Larry, Megan McLaughlin, Irene Morin, Macee Pearl, Adam Reeder, Olivia Riitano, Morgan Smith, Jemyni True, Taylor Willey and Nicole Woodard.