A Mountain Home High School student has been recognized with a national Navy honor after using CPR to save a classmate’s life during a school outing in May.
Cadet Petty Officer 3rd Class Ross Landreth was presented with the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) Meritorious Achievement Ribbon for his lifesaving actions on May 26. Principal Mary Beth Russell awarded the honor on behalf of the NJROTC program.
The incident occurred during an end-of-year trip near Norfork Dam, when another cadet suffered a serious fall and stopped breathing. Landreth quickly assessed the situation and began CPR, implementing training he had received through the NJROTC program. He successfully restored the classmate’s breathing and continued to provide assistance until unit staff and paramedics arrived to take over.
The award citation praised Landreth for his “exceptional composure, sound judgment, and concern for a fellow cadet.” It also highlighted his initiative, professionalism, and leadership in an emergency situation—qualities that exceed expectations for a cadet at his level.
Mountain Home Public Schools commended Landreth's actions, noting that his response demonstrated the principles taught in the NJROTC program. CPR training is a standard component of the program, which integrates classroom learning, physical fitness, and leadership development for participating students.
The NJROTC’s Meritorious Achievement Ribbon is a high-level honor granted to cadets who perform beyond ordinary expectations. Mountain Home’s NJROTC unit is part of a national network involving hundreds of schools.
The district emphasized that Landreth’s quick thinking and application of his training made a critical difference during a life-threatening moment.