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Community Corner

Local Students Support "Gwyneth's Law"

Several current and former Prince William County high school students agree a new state law that makes learning CPR a graduation requirement could save lives.

"It's like learning how to swim," said Gillian Lowe of Bristow, a 2013 graduate of Brentsville District High School. "It's a necessity."

Gov. Bob McDonnell signed the bill into law in March. It stemmed from the death of 12-year-old Gwyneth Wright of Stafford.

The new law will make CPR certification mandatory for high school graduation beginning in 2016-17. It also requires CPR training for teachers.

"In case something happens, it would be good to know," said P.J. Houston of Bristow, who will be a sophomore at Patriot High School.

Hannah Wojotysiak of Bristow, who will be a freshman at Brentsville, agreed: "If something happened to me, I'd want somebody to know it."

For these young people, the bottom line is being able to help someone in need -- or receiving that help if they need it.

"What if it were you that needed CPR?" asked Mitch Catron, a 2012 Brentsville graduate. "I'd want everyone else to know how to do it, too."

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