Four children from Mossburn have been recognized for their heroic actions in helping an injured teacher. Harry Heenan, Alex Mendoza, Tawhiri Ralston, all 10, and Indie Woodford, 9, provided assistance to their teacher, Tanya McDowall, when she fell off her e-bike on the school field.
McDowall reached out to Hato Hone St John, an emergency service, to see if the children could be formally thanked. As a result, the children were nominated for ASB Super Saver Bravery Awards.
The children were praised by McDowall, who said, “These kids just sprang into action. They did all they needed to do. I’m extremely proud of them.”
The students were presented with certificates and golden capes by representatives from Hato Hone St John during a school assembly. The ASB Super Saver Bravery Awards are part of the ASB St John in Schools programme and are given to children who show courage during an emergency.
The incident occurred eight weeks ago during the school’s Wheels Week. McDowall had brought her e-bike to school and was riding across the field when she hit some long grass and fell, breaking her leg. Harry and Alex helped lift the bike off her and helped her up, while Tawhiri ran back to school to call for help and Indie brought a chair to make her more comfortable.
McDowall expressed her gratitude to the children, saying, “I would have been in trouble without you.”
The Fire Service had to cut a deer fence to allow an ambulance to reach McDowall. During her recovery, Tawhiri, who lives in town, helped by ensuring she had enough firewood.
McDowall praised the ASB St John in Schools programme for teaching the children how to respond calmly in an emergency. Mark Graham, ASB commercial partnerships executive manager, also emphasized the importance of young people having the confidence to act in emergencies.
Jacci Tatnell, Hato Hone St John community education head, said they were delighted to award the children with their certificates and capes. Over the past eight years, more than 94% of schools across the country have hosted an ASB St John in Schools session, preparing a generation of young people to respond to emergencies.
