PORT ANGELES — The Ben and Myrtle Walkling Memorial Trust has given Dry Creek Elementary School a $2,022.24 grant.
The grant will enable Dry Creek Elementary, which has about 360 students, to purchase an automated external defibrillator — or AED — with accessories for use at the school, said Tina Smith-O’Hara, district spokeswoman.
“Last year, several staff members began to research the purchase of an AED for several School District outlying sites,” Smith-O’Hara said.
“We were able to access funds for an AED for the pupil transportation center, and then pursued the Walkling grant for an AED, as recommended by School Nurse Lily Thomson and Principal Sean Schoenfeldt, for Dry Creek Elementary.
“We are pleased and thankful for the support of the Walkling Memorial Trust for its support.”
The elementary school, located farthest east of the city limit near the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe’s offices, draws a wide variety of ages from the tribe and nearby community for special events such as the Elders Luncheon, Thanksgiving Luncheon and athletic events, Smith-O’Hara said.
In addition, key Dry Creek and school district staff, as well as community leaders whose organizations use the Dry Creek gymnasium and play fields, will be provided access to training resources, she said.