Dana Pardee, 12, was honored Wednesday for saving the life of her friend Kendra Reynolds, 8. The award ceremony was part of the National Catholic Schools Week celebration. Photo by Rick Gunn.
Dana Pardee, 12, was honored by her peers and teachers during an assembly Tuesday at St. Teresa School for saving the life of her best friend's younger sister last summer.
"I thought it was nice that they did that for me," Pardee said. "I feel proud of myself."
The recognition came as part of the "celebrate students" portion of National Catholic Schools Week, when each day of the week is set aside to recognize various aspects of the school and community.
Pardee remembers clearly June 20 when she and her friend Allie Reynolds, 12, swam off into Lake Tahoe to snorkel. Allie's little sister Kendra, now 8, was tagging along.
As they swam farther away from shore at Sand Harbor, Pardee looked back and realized Kendra was gone -- she had sunk to the bottom of the lake.
Without thinking, Pardee dove 10 feet to drag her back to the surface. The two older girls caught the attention of a nearby swimmer who held Kendra while they swam back to shore to call an ambulance. Kendra was taken to Washoe Medical Center where she had a full recovery.
"If she didn't save me, I'd probably be dead," Kendra said. "Dana feels like my other big sister."
Pardee was presented a certificate which read: "In honor of your courage, quick thinking and love for your fellow man, we celebrate you and your life-giving act."
During the assembly, other students were also recognized for excellence in academics and citizenship.
Monday was dedicated to honoring the community and students delivered banners to the Carson City library in appreciation of its support of the school.
Wednesday, the students will celebrate the nation with patriotic songs and a flag presentation from the National Guard. Volunteers will be honored on Thursday and teachers will be treated to a luncheon on Friday.
The culmination of the week's events will be Saturday with an open house for the public to tour and learn more about the school from 9 a.m. to noon.
Principal Rick Redican said he hopes people will stop by the open house to see what the school has to offer.
Redican worked in public education for 33 years, serving six years as the vice principal of Bordewich-Bray Elementary School. Although he said he enjoyed the staff and students at all the schools where he's worked, he has a special fondness for St. Teresa School.
"Because of the volunteer work parents have to do, they are more involved in their child's education," he said. "It's a good place to be. People care a lot for each other."
IF YOU GO
What: St. Teresa School Open House
When: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday
Where: 567 S. Richmond Ave.