IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Spring 2016 | Page 93

HCC Students Welcome A New Family to
Area
The students in the Health Careers Club sponsored a hot chocolate and bake sale, and a jean day
in December to raise money for their annual holiday project. Several members of the club are from
Nepal, and suggested adopting a family just arriving in our area from Nepal. Through a local non-profit,
AJAPO*, the group was able to welcome a young family (mother, father and 2 ½ year old daughter)
with some holiday gifts. Over $200 was raised by the students, who then purchased and wrapped hats,
scarves and gloves for the family, toys for the child and a Giant Eagle gift card.
*The mission of AJAPO is to provide a continuum of care which empowers refugees and immigrants residing in
the Greater Pittsburgh Communities and Allegheny County to become self-sufficient and better integrated into our
communities.

Heimlich Heroes Program
Created by Deaconess Association, Inc. with support from the Heimlich Institute, Heimlich Heroes is an educational program that
teaches young people the proper way to perform the Heimlich maneuver so they can confidently step forward and save a life. In
November, Brentwood Middle School students (all of the 6th, 7th and 8th graders) participated in this program and are now able to
recognize the signs of choking, understand how to respond with help if a person is actually choking, and how to prevent or minimize the
risk of choking. Certified School Nurse Nancy Kaminski learned about the program while attending a School Nurse conference last June.
The program is free to schools, clubs and youth groups, and a simple application process brought the program to Brentwood. With the
help of Mrs. Beverly Drent and Mr. Gary Cramer, 7th and 8th graders participated in the program during their Health Education classes.
Sixth graders had their opportunity in their science and social studies classes with the assistance of Mr. Michael Cramer and Mr. Casey
Phillips. The students enjoyed the hands on practice using “Heidi” and “Hank,” specially designed training dolls. A pre and post test were
given to help the sponsoring foundation evaluate the program, and follow-up tests will be given at 3 months and 1 year. Students were
encouraged to share what they learned with other family members.

Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall | Spring 2016 | icmags.com 91

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The Brentwood High School Student Council sponsored its annual complimentary Senior Citizen
Luncheon on December 21st. The members of the student council raise funds annually to provide a
free plate lunch, entertainment, and a game of bingo complete with prizes each year to area seniors
as a way to give back to the community. This year’s event had 30 attendees and the members of the
student council served as the hosts and servers for the event.
According to Mrs. Ditoro, the High School Student Council Sponsor, “the students are genuinely
enthused about interacting with the community members who attend the event each year”. The
average cost of the event ranges from $300-$400 which is paid for with fundraising and private
donations. “The student members work diligently to raise enough funds to continue with this yearly
event”, states Mrs. Ditoro. The event began approximately 18 years ago under now retired social
studies teacher, Mr. John Coles. Hundreds or area seniors have enjoyed the event in past years and the
Brentwood High School Student Council hopes to be able to continue the tradition in the future.

McKeespor
BrentwoodtBorough

Brentwood High School Student Council
Provides Luncheon for Senior Residents