Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
Kaylea Kelley’s fifth grade class at Green Bank Elementary-Middle School had a special visitor last week for its lesson on National Disability Employment Month.
Pocahontas County 911/ Emergency Management Director Michael O’Brien spoke to the class about his life before and after he had a dirt bike accident in 2011.
Communities In Schools coordinator Marsha Beverage helped Kelley by reaching out to O’Brien, who said he would be happy to talk to the students.
“He talked about his life before and his life after and how it had changed,” Beverage said. “He made sure to highlight that he still has a very fulfilling life and has a good job.”
O’Brien has regained use of his legs but spends most of his time using a wheelchair. He explained to the students that although his life has changed, he has a normal and active life.
Once the students learned what his job title was, Beverage said the questions and stories started pouring out. Students shared their own experiences with needing to call 911 for emergencies and asked questions about what it is like to work at 911.
“He stayed over an hour,” Beverage said. “He was a great visitor.”
