It was 1:36 p.m. February 19, 2026, and an ordinary day at Benton High – until it wasn’t.
One minute later, an 11th grade track athlete collapsed on the track before practice began. It was quickly evident he was in full cardiac arrest. What followed was a blur.
Less than two minutes later, school nurse Jennifer Lee was by the young man’s side, and immediately went into lifesaving mode.
“His coaches quickly recognized the emergency and called for help,” Lee said. “AED-trained staff members, Emerson Rhymes and Lauren Wilson, saw that I began chest compressions and immediately took action, calling 911 and starting rescue breaths. Administrators and coaches rushed to bring the AED (automated external defibrillator), despite the distance from the campus. You have to remember, we were pretty far away from the building on the track.”
“We were able to maintain oxygen to his brain through continuous chest compressions and deliver the first shock in under a minute,” Lee recounted. “The team was fully engaged, present, and incredibly responsive. Our school resource officers and athletic trainer (Josh Cox) stayed by my side, stepping in to provide chest compressions. Teachers and staff managed the scene and the other students. I believe Coach McMinn even provided a tent at one point for some privacy. Coach George and our school resource officers ensured EMS got to (him) quickly. And the front office staff – running supplies to us, communicating with parents and EMS while still managing a full campus during a crisis.”
Lee, or “Nurse Jenn” as she is called on campus, remembers feeling calm, focused and certain or what needed to be done – and that it had to be done quickly. It would prove pivotal in the ultimate outcome.
“We each had a role and together gave it everything we had to ensure (he) could have many more days on this earth,” Lee said.
A few weeks later, after being discharged from the hospital, the athlete and his father came to see Lee.
“It was a surreal feeling, seeing him standing upright and smiling,” she remembered. “Dad and I both teared up and of course he thanked me, which was not necessary. My thanks was seeing him walk into my office.”
It was later learned the young man had an undiagnosed congenital heart condition. He was incredibly lucky, considering a disproportionate number of athletes that go into sudden cardiac arrest do not survive.
“I am forever grateful to Louisiana legislators, Bossier Parish School Board members, our superintendents, school administrators and the Nursing Department for prioritizing having AEDs on every campus,” Lee added. “We had the tool we needed that day. Early defibrillation truly saved his life.”
“School nursing is so much more than bandaids and ice packs and Jennifer is a great example of the strength and grit it takes to fill this role,” Lindsay Matlock, who is also a school nurse, attested. “Bossier Parish Schools are blessed to have school nurses like Jennifer Lee who strive to make a difference in each life she crosses every single day.”
When numerous nominations poured in to consider Lee for Bossier Schools’ Gold Star employee award, it was a no-brainer. A gold star for a lifesaver only makes sense. Unsuspecting, Lee was at a faculty meeting when she was surprised as the recipient. The announcement was followed by a standing ovation and tears.
“Nurse Jenn (along with our team of paras, coaches, SROs, APs, and our trainer) saved (his) life. She never waivered. She was fearless,” said Benton High Principal Whitney Clark said. “Nurse Jenn may be known for her ability to stay calm under pressure, but on that day she was a warrior for (this student). We are so blessed by her every day, but especially so on February 19th.”
Editor’s note: The student’s name is not being revealed for confidentiality.
Know someone who works for Bossier Schools that is deserving of recognition for going above and beyond? Nominate them for the Gold Star award, proudly sponsored for the 13th year by Bossier Federal Credit Union. Visit https://bit.ly/GoldStarForm to tell what sets them apart and be watching for our final Gold Star surprise of the 2025-26 school year.