Franklin High School senior Josh Mason was recently recognized for his efforts to help another student in distress.
FHS Interim Vice Principal Dan Gibson made the presentation at the Feb. 19 Board of Education meeting.
Several weeks ago Gibson received a call from a teacher requesting assistance after a student passed out in class. Gibson, who didn’t have other administrators due to a meeting, got the SRO and school nurse and headed to the classroom.
“By the time we arrived in the classroom, Josh Mason, a senior at FHS, had already set the scene and provided immediate care to the student,” Gibson said. “Mr. Mason was in the classroom next door. When he heard the commotion, he ran in to clear the area and to make sure the student was OK. When we arrived, he provided all of the vital information to the school nurse to make sure the individual involved was monitored correctly. Joshua demonstrated confidence and poise in that situation, and I genuinely believe he has developed the foundations to become an excellent EMT for our community.”
Mason has been a member of Clarks Chapel Fire and Rescue since January 2022, serving one year as a junior firefighter and now as a full firefighter.
When asked about receiving recognition for his actions, Mason said, “I do appreciate everything, but I believe that the real credit is due to my mentors, Larry Pickens, who is the welding/public safety instructor and the assistant chief of Cowee Fire and Rescue; Diana Cabe, who is the EMT instructor at FHS; and my local fire department, Clarks Chapel Fire and Rescue, where multiple members have set me up for success and taught me many skills. Trae Perry who is the chief at CCFR has taught me alongside many others basically everything I know today to help pursue a career in the public safety realm.”
Gibson said in his current role, he has had tough conversations with students about questionable behaviors, so he was happy to show off an example of goodness coming out of FHS.
Gibson also told the board that FHS recently excelled in the Western Regional Skills USA rally, with Mason placing first in the first aid/CPR competition.
“Students like Mr. Mason show us that we are making a positive impact,” Gibson said.
MCS Superintendent Josh Lynch called it “a very humble act.” School Board Chair Jim Breedlove said Mason went above and beyond.
“You’re the kind of example of what Franklin High School is all about, and you stood up and shone,” Breedlove said.