Jack Scribe, a Victor Central School District student, received the New York State Liberty Medal at the district’s February 2025 Board of Education meeting after performing several minutes of CPR on his father when he collapsed during a round of golf. The district and visiting state officials praised Scribe’s actions and used the moment to underscore the value of teaching life-saving skills in schools.

The presentation, which included statements from Superintendent Dr. Terranova and New York State Senator Pam Helming, described the incident: Scribe called 911 and performed CPR for “about 3 to 4 minutes” until first responders arrived. Dr. Terranova said the district and community were “so incredibly proud of you, Jack,” and credited the health and physical education staff for equipping students with these skills.

Senator Pam Helming, who traveled to Victor to present the award, told the board the Liberty Medal is reserved for “heroic or humanitarian acts on behalf of fellow New Yorkers.” Helming said she and her staff collected information about the incident and that the Senate approved the resolution awarding Scribe the medal. “It’s the highest civilian honor that the New York state senate can bestow upon an individual,” Helming said.

District leaders stressed that Scribe’s actions demonstrate the practical value of CPR instruction. Dr. Terranova thanked the health and physical education teachers and noted the district’s role in ensuring students learn life-saving techniques. Board members and the superintendent described the recognition as both a personal and community milestone, and the board invited Scribe and his family to the front of the meeting for the certificate presentation.

The board recorded the recognition publicly and invited the community to view the moment as an example of why district training programs are important. There was no policy action tied to the award; board members used the superintendent’s update time to emphasize continued advocacy for programs that support student safety and preparedness.

The board did not take any formal vote related to district-wide CPR instruction at this meeting; the remarks and the award were part of the agenda’s recognition segment.