Upon moving to the Wright City area two years ago, Donna Hale didn’t know many people.
That’s when she received a sign in the form of, well, a sign from the Wright City R-II School District.
“I didn’t know anybody or have a community,” Hale said. “We kept driving by and seeing the ‘substitute teachers needed’ sign. It took a little bit to go through the process, but I think I’ve found my purpose and my people.”
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Upon moving to the Wright City area two years ago, Donna Hale didn’t know many people.
That’s when she received a sign in the form of, well, a sign from the Wright City R-II School District.
“I didn’t know anybody or have a community,” Hale said. “We kept driving by and seeing the ‘substitute teachers needed’ sign. It took a little bit to go through the process, but I think I’ve found my purpose and my people.”
Since then, Hale has worked as a substitute for both Wright City East and West Elementary schools as she found her community.
On Sept. 26, she repaid the sense of community shown to her by the district when, while sitting at lunch with her student, she noticed another student choking.
She sprang into action, saving the student by performing the Heimlich maneuver to clear the child's airway. Her heroism was honored by West Elementary Principal Sara Meadows with a special recognition at the R-II school board’s November meeting.
“She’s sitting in the cafeteria with her student, and I look over, and the student is choking,” Meadows said. “I’m going over, and Ms. Hale had already performed the Heimlich, ejecting the chip from the child’s throat. It was your quick response and your heroic action (which made the difference). Without you in that moment, it could have looked a lot different.”
Hale said her action would be just what anyone should expect from someone caring for the district’s students.
“I didn’t do anything that anybody else wouldn’t have done,” Hale said. “But it does take a village. I appreciate all the help and support from both elementary schools.”
Upon receiving her honor, Hale was surrounded by hugs from West Elementary students who were also on hand to present to the board about the audiobooks used at the school.
Wright City R-II Superintendent Dr. Amy Salvo said that it’s because of people like Hale that the district puts its students first.
“Substitute teachers are truly essential to our team and to the success of our students,” Salvo said. “Being able to step in, sometimes at a moment’s notice, is a real skill that allows us to maintain our commitment to student learning. Mrs. Donna Hale embodies that impact every day. Her actions on September 26 demonstrated not only her dedication but also her courage. She is a hero in our schools and a truly remarkable champion for our students and staff.”
