Local teacher’s aide to be recognized for saving life of student, second staff rescue this year

A local school staff member has saved the life of a student for the second time this year.

According to Superintendent Ana Riley and Principal Colin Grimsey, a Hugh Cole Elementary School teacher’s aide’s quick actions saved the life of a student that was choking yesterday.

On Wednesday, teacher’s aide Bonnie Dion was monitoring lunch when a student alerted her to another student in distress. Dion realized that the student was choking and sprang into action.

Dion, who has had previous training in basic lifesaving skills and works to keep them current, performed the Heimlich Maneuver on the student and eventually cleared the obstruction.

“Bonnie is always one of the first people to step up when someone needs help, so it is no surprise that she immediately jumped in to save a student in need,” Principal Grimsey said. “This positive outcome is not only a testament to Bonnie’s great character, but also to the importance of knowing and practicing lifesaving skills and having teacher’s aides in our schools to assist at a moment’s notice.”

The School Committee will be formally recognizing Dion for her life-saving actions with a District Superstar award at an upcoming meeting. The date will be announced when available. Dion has served the District for nearly two decades and has worked at Hugh Cole Elementary for more than eight years.

The District offers basic lifesaving training to all staff members on a yearly basis. This is the second time this year that a Bristol Warren Regional School District staff member has saved the life of a choking student.

Just last month, a local custodian was recognized by officials for saving the life of a student