At the March 2, 2026 meeting of the Penn-Trafford Board of School Directors, Superintendent Dr. Matthew Harris and board members recognized Penn Middle School job coach Leslie O’Connell for assisting a student during a medical emergency on February 6.
According to Harris, O’Connell observed a student having difficulty breathing in a crowded hallway, and she responded immediately. She performed the Heimlich maneuver on seventh-grade student Mathis Kline, successfully clearing the obstruction.
“She realized something was wrong, and without hesitation, she performed the Heimlich maneuver,” said Dr. Harris. “She helped save a life.”
O’Connell credited her response to prior safety training and required district refresher courses.
“It’s something you hope you never have to do,” said O’Connell. “It was instinct to do what I needed to do.”
School Director Dr. Bryan Kline, the student’s father, also expressed appreciation during the meeting.
“We appreciate the administration here for making sure that our employees have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to pop into action like that,” Kline said. Addressing O’Connell, he said, “Thank you, and we appreciate you.”
Penn Middle School principal Mr. Roger Sullivan, Mathis Kline, and Leslie O’Connell at the March 2, 2026 board meeting