Board honors East High coach and student for life‑saving actions

The Columbus Board of Education on March 17 unanimously adopted resolutions to honor East High coach Michael Bell and student Cassidy Hayes for rendering aid to a student injured in a shooting that occurred off campus.

President Dr. Miranda read a resolution noting Coach Bell's more than 20 years with Columbus City Schools and crediting his quick action for helping save a student's life. Coach Bell told the board he was grateful for the recognition and said, "I want to give God the praise and, uh, give him the honor and just thank him for allowing me to, uh, walk this walk and be where I needed to be in that situation to do what I had to do." The board voted by roll call to approve the resolution.

The board then approved a resolution recognizing Cassidy Hayes, a participant in East High's Health Sciences Academy, for providing reassurance and basic aid after the shooting. Hayes said, "If I had another chance to do it all again to save another life, I'll definitely do it." Board members applauded both honorees and invited East High family and friends forward for photographs.

Both resolutions were presented as part of the meeting's agenda and passed without recorded opposition. The board described the honors as recognition of training, courage, and service and thanked East High staff for supporting students in crisis. The meeting then moved on to committee reports and the district's monitoring items.