April 23, 2013

CONNETQUOT TEACHER RECOGNIZED FOR LIFE-SAVING ACTION

Bohemia, NY --- Connetquot Teachers Association (CTA) President Anthony Felicio, Jr. recently congratulated the families of Art teacher Erica Martino-Lattuga, and Security Specialist Debbie Billotto, on being recognized by the district’s Board of Education (BOE). Members of the BOE presented certificates to Martino-Lattuga and Billotto at their April 23rd meeting. Their quick thinking, training and reaction, resulted in saving the life of a high school student who had suffered a grand mal seizure during lunch period at Connetquot High School.

Felicio attended the presentation and told Erica and Debbie that he is “… proud of you both for responding quickly, working together, and saving the life of one of our students.” Martino-Lattuga and Billotto performed CPR on the student and were able to revive him, before paramedics arrived on the scene. At the time Erica was 6 ½ months pregnant, and as a result of her intercession, experienced major complications, putting herself and the health of her unborn child in jeopardy.

Martino-Lattuga was recently notified by the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) Association that her name would be added to the association’s Life Honor Roll, for her life saving action while on duty at Connetquot HS.

Congratulations to Erica Martino-Lattuga and Debbie Billotto for your well deserved recognition by the Connetquot Board of Education. And a sincere ‘Thank You’ for your efforts from your CTA colleagues, and the entire Connetquot community.

Erica Martino-Lattuga and Debbie Billotto were recognized by the Connetquot Board of Education for their life-saving efforts.

CTA President Tony Felicio, Jr., (L) congratulates Erica Martino-Lattuga and her family after being recognized by the Connetquot Board of Education for her life-saving actions.

CTA President Tony Felicio, Jr., (R) congratulates Debbie Billotto and her family after being recognized by the Connetquot Board of Education.

(photos by Joseph Maniaci)