Teachers, Staff Save Creekland Student's Life

CANTON, GA -- Creekland Middle School sixth-grader Caden Cherry was participating in physical education class on Thursday, Sept. 29 when he experienced cardiac arrest and lost consciousness.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday recognized Creekland Middle School and Cherokee County School District staff for saving Caden's life.

Creekland School Nurse Chrissa Hofstetter, Principal Deborah Wiseman and School Operations Director Debra Murdock, who was on campus for another reason, immediately responded by administering CPR and use of a defibrillator.

Their life-saving actions resuscitated and stabilized Caden so he could be transported by first-responders to the hospital.

“We employ school nurses, equip our schools and train our staff so we can respond to moments like this,” Superintendent of Schools Brian Hightower said. “We never want to see a child suffer a medical emergency, but we prepare, and we are so grateful to be able to celebrate Caden and thank our staff.”

The school's response also included important efforts by PE teachers Ray Catlet, Jacob Cheshire, Keith Fountain, Julie McRae, Stacy Rich and Matt Rumble; Counselor Cathy Harris; Secretary Maralee Tabor; and Assistant Principal Lovenia Houston, Dana Phillips and Brent Williams.

All were recognized by Dr. Hightower and board members at Thursday’s meeting.

Caden's twin brother, Cooper, provided school staff with vital information during the response, which greatly assisted them in saving his life. Cooper joined his brother for the School Board recognition.

Caden since has been released from the hospital and visited Creekland on Monday, Oct. 10, for the first time since his medical emergency to thank Nurse Hofstetter and the school. Students and staff, who sent well-wishes while he was hospitalized, lined the halls to welcome Caden back.

Photo 1: Students and staff line the halls of Creekland Middle School to welcome Caden on Monday, Oct. 10, for his first visit since his cardiac arrest.

Photo 2: Creekland Middle School sixth-grader Caden Cherry is welcomed onstage at the Cherokee County School Board meeting on Thursday, Oct. 13 by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian Hightower.

Photo 3: Caden Cherry's twin brother, Cooper, provided school staff with vital information during the response, is thanked by the School Board and Superintendent.

Photo 4: The Cherokee County School Board and Superintendent of Schools thank Creekland School Nurse Chrissa Hofstetter, Principal Dr. Deborah Wiseman and School Operations Director Debra Murdock for their life-saving actions.

Photos provided by Cherokee County School District