A Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School kindergarten student who collapsed during class on Dec. 5 was honored at the Oyster Bay East Norwich Central School District Board of Education meeting Monday night, along with the teachers and first responders who were credited with saving his life.
During his report, district Superintendent Francesco Ianni diverged from the usual business of budgets and facilities to recognize what he called “the most fundamental promise we make to the families of this district: the sacred promise to keep their children safe.”
“Friday, Dec. 5 at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School, the theoretical became, unfortunately, a reality in a kindergarten classroom, a place designed for play, learning and discovery,” Ianni said. “A student suffered a severe medical emergency in an instant.”
That student, Sebastian Melendez, 5, of Oyster Bay, collapsed during class and needed immediate lifesaving intervention, although the district has not made public the exact nature of his medical situation. He was rushed to Glen Cove Hospital, where he was later stabilized.
Sebastian attended Monday’s meeting at Oyster Bay High School with his family, drawing applause from the board, staff and community members.
According to Ianni, the response unfolded in seconds, and followed what emergency responders call the “chain of survival.” Staff members simultaneously called the school nurse, dialed 911, notified administrators and contacted Sebastian’s parents while administering first aid and lifesaving measures.
“What happened that day was not only a testament to the training and the protocols that we have in place, but even more so, it was a testament to the instinct and character of our staff,” Ianni said. “Staff members didn’t just react. They mobilized.”
While the emergency response focused on Sebastian, Ianni added that teachers and aides were also mindful of the other children in the classroom.
“While lifesaving measures were being administered to one child, staff members immediately realized the need to protect the emotional well-being of the other kindergartners,” he said. “They quickly moved the other children out of the room. They kept them calm; they distracted them.”
Several staff members were recognized individually. School Nurse Matthew Bonsi was credited with bringing “the calm, clinical expertise needed to save a life,” Ianni said, and security guard Tara Cornelious was recognized for helping with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, monitoring the situation and keeping access clear for first responders.
Kindergarten aide Nancy Mayer was commended for escorting the other students out of the classroom. Michelle Morrison, a kindergarten aide and district coach, was recognized for setting up an automated external defibrillator.
Speech teacher Colby Strum was praised for supporting students and alerting school leadership during the emergency, while special education co teacher Aileen Pate was recognized for noticing that Sebastian was in distress and immediately initiating the emergency response.
Deborah Small, the school principal, was also lauded for her leadership, and Sebastian’s classroom teacher, Megan Castrogiovanni, received special recognition for accompanying him to the hospital in the ambulance alongside Ianni.
“On behalf of the entire Board of Education, the administration and the family, we are grateful for what you have done,” Ianni said. Turning to address the audience in the auditorium and watching at home, he added, “We want you to know one thing: that when you send your children to our schools, they are surrounded by people who will move mountains to protect them.”
Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh also addressed the audience, and presented citations to the staff members on behalf of the town.
“Trust the school, trust the system, and they will keep your child safe,” Walsh said. “So thank you, everybody, especially to all of you who you ran toward the danger and didn’t know what was going on instead of running away from it.”
Sebastian’s mother, Kerrin Melendez, thanked the staff and community, her voice filled with emotion. His father, Jorge, stood with them, at times reaching down to tousle Sebastian’s hair or putting his hand on his wife’s shoulder for support.
“This is a parent’s, nightmare to get a phone call while you’re at work,” Kerrin said. “It was the longest 45 minutes of my life to get to Glen Cove hospital.”
She thanked the staff members by name, and expressed her gratitude that Sebastian, the couple’s only child, wasn’t alone during the ambulance ride. She also thanked Ianni for staying in contact with her during the emergency.
Melendez said that her family, which is new to the district, has been overwhelmed by the support it has received. “We just feel so blessed to be a part of this community,” she said. “We just wanted to say thank you so much to everybody here. You’re all a blessing to all of us.”
Sebastian stood with his parents as the audience applauded, a moment that underscored both the gravity of the incident and the collective relief that followed.
“Tonight we honor the heroes,” Ianni said, “the team that managed the impossible balance of crisis and care and that truly saved Sebastian’s life.”
