Student of the Week: Anthony Keller

Anthony Keller

Sophomore, Burchell High School

Burchell High School sophomore Anthony Keller has been called a “hero” and honored by the city of Wasilla, Mayor Verne Rupright, the Kenai Fire Department, the Mat-Su Borough School Board and especially by a grateful mother. “Saving a life,” is how Anthony’s actions were described by Kenai Fire Chief Michael Tilley.

As reported by the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, Anthony took CPR training through the Knik Tribal Council to help his mother, who has breathing difficulties and is asthmatic. Last month, Anthony was at the Quality Inn in Kenai, and so was Taylia Hardy, a 5-year-old, with her mom. As the story goes, Taylia need rescuing after she jumped into the middle of a 5-foot-deep hot tub to retrieve a ball. After being pulled out of the water by a friend of her mom’s, Taylia wasn’t breathing. The CPR training, coupled with Anthony’s quick and sound judgment, allowed him to respond courageously to administer about 30 chest compressions and some breaths.

And her breathing resumed.

Mayor Rupright, in a proclamation from the city of Wasilla says he and the city “acknowledge and thank Anthony Keller for his heroic actions in stepping forward and taking charge in a life-threatening emergency that saved the life of a young girl. … Anthony is a fine example for other youth in our community.”

The school board, Superintendent Dr. Deena Paramo and the entire MSBSD community say congratulations to Keller for being the MSBSD Student of the Week.