BROOKINGS – Brookings School District Superintendent Klint Willert awarded the B.E.S.T. (Bobcats Exhibiting Success and Triumphs) Award to a group of individuals who responded to a near drowning at Brookings High School in November. 

The award was presented at Monday’s Brookings School Board meeting, to students and teachers from the Outdoor Adventure Course at BHS.

Recipients were teacher Tina Birgen, retired teacher Vonda Bjorklund, and students Joshua Buri, Jessica Fourney, Janaya Kuehl, Bricelyn LaFleur, Emily Regalado, Anna Roiger and Brooke Seeley.

At the meeting, Willert read the nomination letter that was submitted to him for all of the recipients.

“This evening is a really special recognition, and I’m going to read what was submitted on behalf of everybody that’s here this evening,” Willert said.

“The Outdoor Adventure Course at Brookings High School had concluded their scuba class for the day. Students in the class were picking up equipment and started to get out of the pool. One group needed to retrieve a shopping cart that was tipped over in the pool. 

“Four students were working on getting the shopping cart uprighted and brought back to the shallow end of the pool. One of the four students had her finger caught in the shopping cart and was unable to get to the surface for air. 

“Her three classmates attempted to help her, and one called for Mrs. Birgen to assist. Without hesitation, Mrs. Birgen dove into the pool in an attempt to help the student. Student Josh Buri responded and jumped in the pool to assist Mrs. Birgen. 

“Josh and Mrs. Birgen pulled the student to the edge of the pool, and retired teacher and wellness substitute Ms. Vonda Bjorklund responded to assist getting the student out of the pool. Ms. Bjorklund began CPR – something, mind you, she’s been trained in for 45 years and never had to use it except for this day – as the student was unresponsive and not breathing. 

“Student Janaya Kuehl called 911 and took action to assist Mrs. Birgen with the paramedics and police department along with other students. Within moments the student began to breathe and became conscious. 

“The quick actions and classroom team effort all contributed to saving the life of a BHS student.” 

Willert told the board, “This is why this entire class – the Outdoor Adventure Course, tonight, certainly deserves …the B.E.S.T. Award this month.”

Willert said he’s had a chance to watch a video of the event.

“And as I shared publicly at the City Council meeting, it was done picture-perfect. It was flawless in terms of responsiveness and execution, and I think it just goes to show the type of quality of faculty and staff members that we have in the Brookings School District. And just as importantly, the type of students that we have. 

“We responded as a team and as a family would – and as you expect the family should – and equally afterward, they had a debriefing session that was sponsored and conducted by the Brookings Police Department,” Willert said. “And again, it really spoke to how well everybody collaborated through the entire process, so, I can’t say enough about the students, about the staff and also about the community response to this in what could have been a very tragic – but ended up being a very proud moment for our district.”

On Nov. 24, Willert spoke at the Brookings City Council meeting to praise Brookings police officers for their swift actions during the incident.

“Officer Terry Coon, Officer Sean Doremus and Officer Jacob Vukovich, who by the way is a Brookings High School graduate, utilized a defusing process with the students and the staff … the process led by these officers provided the students and staff a safe place and process to reflect on the event as each person shared their individual thoughts, feelings and reactions to this major event,” Willert said at the City Council meeting.

“2020’s been crazy, and we know in 2020 across the country there have been times where police officers have been attacked and their services have been questioned. Well, tonight, I’m proud to say that Brookings has an outstanding team of first responders that unselfishly serve our community. In particular, I would like to publicly recognize Officers Coon, Doremus and Vukovich for what they did to help our students and our staff navigate a very challenging and life-changing event,” Willert said at the council meeting.

To watch Monday’s school board meeting, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_qRBdYxv74.

Contact Matthew Rhodes at mrhodes@brookingsregister.com.