From left, Karen Colbert, regional director of communications for the American Heart Association; Todd Schoeffel, physical education teacher at Seneca Valley High School; Devin Latsko, graduating Seneca Valley High School student; and Shannon Lesnock, development director for the American Heart Association. Submitted photo

SAXONBURG — While the rest of the Seneca Valley Senior High School class of 2023 is celebrating their imminent graduation this month, Devin Latsko is just grateful to be alive.

On Friday, May 12, the atmosphere was festive at Seneca Valley. The front hallway of the school was decked out with streamers, lemonade, and ice cream as members of the senior class presented their graduation projects. It marked the 25th anniversary of this Seneca Valley tradition which marks the last step of high school life for students in the district before setting off for new frontiers.

Were it not for the heroic actions of his gym teacher last year, Latsko may not have received the chance to experience the thrill of graduation for himself.

In September 2021, Latsko and the rest of the students in Todd Schoeffel’s gym class were running the mile. As soon as Latsko completed his first lap, he felt something strange in his chest.