Sussex Academy staff recognized for response to medical issue

Two Sussex Academy employees, Nurse Dawnyel Furlong and Athletic Trainer Brian Huebler, were recognized by the board of education and a grateful parent for their quick response to a student medical issue at the secondary campus.

At the Feb. 19 school board meeting, Head of School Kyle Bentley said he received an email from parent Becky Ghabour praising the care Furlong and Huebler provided to her son Gavin when he broke his arm during a freak accident at school.

“They handled the incident with kindness and compassion,” Bentley said, noting Huebler was unable to attend the meeting.

Furlong was present, and largely credited Huebler for the assist. Huebler is Sussex Academy’s full-time athletic trainer whose speciality is orthopedics, Furlong said, and he is an expert on splinting and wrapping.

Furlong said she and Huebler were able to collaborate to decrease Gavin’s pain, and Huebler’s connections allowed him to ensure Gavin was seen at a doctor’s office that afternoon.

During public comment, Ghabour stated via livestream that Furlong was being modest. Furlong even followed up that evening with a phone call to check on Gavin, Ghabour said, noting that because of their actions, Gavin was treated quickly without a long ER visit.

In appreciation, Furlong was presented with two Sussex Academy mugs, one for herself and one for Huebler.