On Friday, December 14th, 2007, four-year-old E.J. Gibson and his six-year-old sister, Heavyn Gibson, were getting ready for school when their mother, Charity Gibson fell to the floor after having a seizure. Heavyn immediately and calmly dialed 911 for help. Paramedics arrived shortly and were able to treat Charity, as she had suffered a petit mal seizure.

Prior to the seizure, Charity Gibson had discussed the importance of calling 911 with her children, after attending an E.E. Miller Head Start field trip to the county's 911 center with her son E.J. The Head Start program also reiterates the significance of 911 and other safety measures. "Every day we are talking about safety," said Sharon Hollingsworth, E.J.'s E. E. Miller Head Start teacher. Ms. Hollingsworth said the students are taught to know their addresses, their mom and dad's first names and other important safety information needed in an emergency.

Both of E.J. and Heavyn's parents said they were proud to be a part of Head Start. "They have a good program here. I feel very honored having my kids here," said Charity Gibson's husband.

For more information on Head Start, please contact the Head Start Administrative Office at (910) 487-9800.