On June 20, almost 10 years to the day of the tragic death of Justin Ressler, Great Neck North Middle School honored his memory by presenting the first annual Justin Ressler First Aid Award to Shane Cefalu, a seventh-grader. Shane was selected for the Award for being a "first responder" during an emergency situation at the school. Future Ressler Awards will be presented to students who demonstrate compassion and skill in a time of need.

Last February, Jennifer DiPalo, North Middle health teacher, and Katherine Byrnes, J.F. Kennedy School third-grade teacher, were teaching an adult CPR class after school, when a student was involved in an accident that Shane witnessed. He immediately ran to alert the two teachers. As a result of his quick action and their first-aid efforts, a serious situation was kept under control while awaiting emergency assistance. It was Shane's immediate and appropriate response that avoided a potentially serious situation. Shane also helped keep his schoolmates calm, who were naturally frightened by the accident.

Justin Ressler died on June 23, 1997, at the tender age of 14, just a few days before he would have graduated from North Middle School. His death was a shock to all. Justin, like Shane, while a student at North Middle, had responded appropriately to a very difficult circumstance and knew in his heart how to react and say something at the moment. Justin was not afraid to speak up when he saw something wrong and quickly do something about it. His tremendous spirit lives on and motivates us to go on and carry out his legacy. He is remembered for his humor, honesty, tremendous heart, decency, and strong determination to do what he felt was right.

After his death, Justin's family helped increase awareness of the necessity for first-aid classes for students. First aid is an important part of the health education curriculum in the middle schools.

The Ressler family is especially appreciative of the efforts put forth by Ms. DiPalo, Kathleen Walter, health department head, and Nancy Gunning, dean of students, in developing this important award in memory of their dear son, and brother, Justin. They also thank Principal Barbara Andrews and the entire North Middle School staff for making this dream a reality, and congratulate Shane Cefalu as the first Justin Ressler First Aid Award recipient.