South Orangetown Middle School Nurse Margaret Keane, RN, has been recognized as an “Everyday Hero” by the New York State Association of School Nurses for “taking immediate action when a staff member was having a medical emergency” this fall.
Keane was nominated for the honor by SOMS Music teacher Charles Yassky. “While preparing for my seventh grade music class, I suddenly knew I was having a stroke,” Yassky recounted. “Maggie, a seasoned pro, understood immediately what was happening and calmly took it from there.”
Keane swiftly assessed and prepared Yassky for transport and coordinated the call for emergency assistance with 1:1 School Nurse Jennifer Hind. The South Orangetown Ambulance Corps responded quickly, along with Orangetown Police Department officers.
“Truthfully, we really don’t know the capabilities of others until we see them at their best. Maggie should be celebrated for her composure and grace during critical and life-threatening moments. She is, by any definition, a true hero,” noted Yassky.
Keane possesses more than 40 years of nursing experience and has served the District for the past 20 years. “The years of experience just kicked in. We were battling ‘the Golden Hour’ and I just did what I’m trained to do. It’s second nature,” she explained.
“Ms. Keane is a talented, caring and skilled nurse and we are extremely fortunate to have her here at SOMS. We are grateful for all that she does for our students and staff,” said Principal Chad Corey, Ed.D.
Thank you and congratulations to Maggie on this well-deserved professional honor. We wish Charles continued progress in his recovery.