Two Cuba High School students who leapt into action during a medical emergency at the Oct. 2 homecoming dance were recognized for their heroics  on Oct. 29 by the Crawford County R-2 Board of Education. An impactful faculty member and a behind-the-scenes administrator were also praised for their unwavering commitment and positive influence on the district.

Cuba High School (CHS) senior Hailey Timmons and junior Micah Scharfenberg were nominated by Principal Michael Clutts to be honored. Clutts’s testimony of the incident was recited by Board Vice President Rodger Bridgeman Jr., who presented the students with certificates of achievements.

“I would like to take a moment to recognize Haley Timmons for her exceptional presence of mind and quick action during a medical emergency at the recent homecoming dance,” Bridgeman Jr. said.

“Without any prompting, Haley calmly took the necessary steps to ensure that the emergency medical team had all the important information they needed to provide care in a timely manner. Her ability to act responsible and thoughtful in a stressful situation demonstrates great maturity in care for others. Haley’s actions helped keep everyone safe and supported the emergency response in an important way.”

Bridgeman Jr. then highlighted Scharfenberg’s ‘prompt and responsible response during the incident.

“Without hesitation, Micah (Scharfenberg) immediately dialed 911, ensuring that the emergency medical team arrived quickly and provided necessary care. His quick thinking, calm action, in a stressful situation demonstrates maturity and care for others. Micah’s behavior helped keep everyone safe and supported the emergency response in an important way.”

The district’s school board members along with the about 20 community members in attendance then gave the two students a round of applause for their efforts.

Cuba Middle School (CMS) ISS/ALC teacher Jessica Lewis was nominated for recognition by Sandra Roberts, an ELA Instructional Coach at CMS for her positive impact on the school’s disciplinary program.

“I would like to nominate Jessica Lewis for a district award because she has transformed what student discipline can look like for CMS,” the letter from Roberts read.

“She has an incredible ability to reach students when they are dysregulated, overwhelmed or simply having a difficult day. Students can enter her room angry, disruptive, or shut down and after a short time, using regulation strategies, patience and meaningful conversation, they often return to class calm, ready to learn and able to have a successful day. She also makes ISS about much more than serving a punishment.

“Through restorative practices, relationship building, reflection and honest conversation, she helps students understand their choices, recognize their impact on others, and develop strategies to make better decisions in the future. She holds students accountable while never losing sight of the child behind the behavior. Rather than simply asking what consequences a student deserves, her work asks what the student needs to be more successful next time. She turns difficult moments into opportunities for growth, and our students, teachers and entire school are better because of her.”

First-year Crawford County R-2 District Transportation Director Betty Counts was also honored for her ‘Outstanding dedication and service to the district. Counts replaced former longtime transportation director Doug Windle, who retired in May. As new director, Counts was lauded by Bridgeman Jr. for her tireless efforts to improve the district’s transportation program,  including her stepping in to drive a bus herself during a staff shortage.

“Betty has consistently gone above and beyond to show that our students’ transportation needs are met. Despite operating with a shortage of two full-time bus drivers, Betty has stepped up to drive a daily route herself while continuing to fulfill her responsibilities as transportation director,” Bridgeman Jr. said. “She works collaboratively with our athletic director and administrative team to coordinate activity trips, cover routes, and keep our transportation department running smoothly, to the point where she even has driven to the band competitions that I’ve been at. Not only that, but when I got back late to put the trailer away, guess who was still in her office working?

“Betty has also taken the initiative to reorganize our district’s bus routes, eliminating the need for second loads, reducing our overlapping routes, and improving overall efficiency. In addition, she is working to modernize the transportation department by digitizing workflows and has dedicated countless hours to cleaning, organizing, and improving departmental records and procedures. Betty’s willingness to take additional responsibilities, identify solutions, and do whatever is necessary to support our students and staff is a reflection of her strong work ethic and commitment to our district.”

The next Crawford County R-2 Board of Education meeting is scheduled to take place at 6 p.m. on Nov. 19 at 1 Wildcat Pride Drive.