Swift Actions of Ocean Ave. Staff Save Fifth Grader

What began as a fun school event ended with teachers and parents saving the life of an fifth grader.

“The actions taken by the staff at the Ocean Avenue School were simply amazing," Superintendent Marylou McDermott told a packed cafeteria at the June 21 Board of Education meeting.

The crowd stood and broke into prolonged applause as McDermott introduced each person credited with helping save the life of fifth grader Erin Bass last week after she had difficulty breathing during the school's gradewide Science Olympiad.

Fifth grade teacher Glenn Boscareno, who has worked as a lifeguard in the summer months for two decades, and parent Laura Cocchi, a nurse, administered CPR. Also honored for swift action that assisted the life-saving efforts were Cindy Latchford, the school nurse, and teachers Robert Nelson, Stacey Norman, Allison Miglio, John Grimaldi, Jessica Pandolfi, and Nicole Caputo. 

Principal Sabina Larkin also accepted an award on behalf of all the staff at Ocean Avenue.

Northport Fire Department Chief John McKenna, who said he knew the Bass family well, struggled with his emotions as did others in the room as he explained the situation and stressed the importance of learning CPR.

"CPR is very important where respirations and pulse rates are not enough to sustain life. Without the attention of everyone here, Erin would not be here today," McKenna said.

After they had received their awards, all the recipients surrounded the fifth grader in a spontaneous group hug. For a minute, she was hidden from view as the rest of the audience cheered and clapped.  Moments later, Erin Bass – “our Erin," — as McDermott called her, reappeared with a big smile.