The Harrisburg City School District held a meeting on November 27, 2024, where significant recognition was given to Kirsten Keys for her heroic actions in a life-saving incident. Earlier this month, the Peyton Walker Foundation honored Keys with the Lifesaving Legacy Award for her role in assisting a Central Pennsylvania faith leader who experienced a sudden cardiac arrest just before delivering a sermon.

During the incident, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) was not available. In response, Kirsten, along with three ministers, provided hands-only CPR until emergency medical services arrived. Although Kirsten was trained in traditional CPR, her skills were further enhanced through a partnership between the Harrisburg School District and the Peyton Walker Foundation, which provided CPR training at John Harris Campus several years ago.

The meeting also acknowledged the contributions of Mrs. Michelle Archie, an assistant principal and granddaughter of Ben Franklin, whose granddaughter, Alicia, survived a sudden cardiac arrest while roller skating. Alicia's life was saved thanks to an AED provided by the Peyton Walker Foundation.

The district expressed deep gratitude to Kirsten for her quick thinking and dedication, emphasizing her positive impact on the community and the lives she has touched. The meeting concluded with a heartfelt acknowledgment of her contributions and a call for continued support for CPR training initiatives within the district.