Editor’s Note: This article was also published in the Benet Herald 2025 Graduation Edition.

You never quite know when the lessons learned at Benet Academy might come in handy. Recently, one of Benet’s very own, sophomore Elena Horejs, found that her classroom training would be life-saving. At a recent sporting event, Elena noticed a man had fallen and was unconscious. She rushed to his aid and provided help, using her recently learned CPR skills until paramedics could arrive at Benet. 

Elena learned her CPR skills through Benet’s physical education class with the help of the American Red Cross. In February, to honor National Heart Month, Benet freshmen and sophomores had the opportunity to become certified and learn about essential CPR skills. This course trained students how to respond to cardiac arrest emergencies with both adults and children, how to help with choking, and how to alternate between giving breaths and providing compressions. According to the American Heart Association, getting immediate CPR 

from a bystander can double or triple a person’s survival chances. 

Clearly, the lessons learned at Benet can go beyond the classroom setting. Elena’s courage and quick-thinking actions earned her the Award of Exemplary Action. She was honored at Benet’s Red Carpet ceremony on April 11, and was awarded this distinction by the Woodridge-Lisle Fire District. Knowing CPR can mean the difference between life and death in a cardiac emergency. 

You may never imagine the ways your Benet education may save lives, but Elena’s bravery proves that Benet has us all prepared.