An Acadiana High School senior received a meritorious service award and scholarship Friday for using CPR skills learned in class to save a drowning classmate’s life in April. Anthony Paternostro was honored on the last day of classes for his quick action on April 17, when a student was pulled from a swimming pool during a gathering of friends. “So, on April 17th, 2026, a life-threatening emergency unfolded when a student was pulled from a swimming pool unresponsive, not breathing, and in cardiac arrest,” explained Caroline Cash, a paramedic with Acadian Ambulance. “In that moment, when every second mattered, Acadiana High School senior, AP, acted without hesitation. Using the skills he learned in his emergency medical responder training, AP quickly recognized the severity of the situation and immediately began CPR. By the time emergency responders arrived, his classmate had regained a pulse, was breathing, and was able to speak, an outcome made possible because AP stepped in when it mattered most. In that critical moment, his actions made the difference between tragedy and survival.” Heart of Acadiana…..