Hazelwood West CAPS Students Honored for Emergency Response

Two Hazelwood West students are being recognized for their quick thinking and lifesaving actions during an unexpected emergency near campus.

Marie Cisses and Kaliya Stewart, both students in the CAPS program at Hazelwood West High School, were walking from the Dietrick Building to the cafeteria when they noticed a concerning scene outside. An elderly man had fallen, and his wife was struggling to help him up.

Without hesitation, Marie and Kaliya sprang into action.

After alerting a staff member, the students immediately stepped in to assist. The man was bleeding heavily, a situation made more serious because he was on blood-thinning medication. Drawing on their training, Marie and Kaliya quickly assessed the situation, called 911, and provided aid while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.

Their calm, decisive response ensured the man received the care he needed as quickly as possible. Staff members who witnessed the incident noted how effectively the students applied the CPR and emergency response skills they had learned in class.

In a remarkable twist, the incident occurred on a day when students were gathered in the Dietrick Building for Stop the Bleed training, preparation that proved invaluable in a real-world situation just moments later.

Marie and Kaliya’s actions made a meaningful difference for the man and his family, turning a frightening moment into one of compassion and care. Their efforts have earned them recognition from Christian Northeast President Rick Stevens and serve as a powerful example of how student learning can translate into real-life impact.