A Community of Care

Two years ago, on what was a normal school day at Buena Vista High, Trent Burton attended classes, chatted with friends and worked through assignments. But during PE class, while standing on the track, he knew something wasn’t right.

Trent approached the closest adult on the track, Omaha Public Schools substitute Ryan Reese, and asked for help.

“His speech was slurring, and he had this frightened look on his face,” said Reese. “I didn’t know exactly what was going on, but I knew something was very wrong.”

Trent was displaying stroke-like symptoms. With the help of another staff member, Reese quickly got Trent to the nurse’s office. From there, he was taken to the hospital, where the doctors ordered a CT scan.

The results revealed a tumor in the middle of his brain. In an instant, everything changed.

Trent and his mom, Deb Burton, spent the next eight months at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Tennessee, where he received treatment.

“He forgot how to walk, talk and eat,” said Deb. “We made it our mission that we’re going to come home, and when we get back home, we’re going back to school.”

In the early stages of rehab, Trent was primarily using a wheelchair as he worked to rebuild strength and relearn basic skills. When he returned to Buena Vista High at the start of this school year, he set a goal to be walking with a walker after winter recess.

Joseph Coil, Buena Vista High track coach, began working diligently with Trent in the weight room and on the track during and after school. They focused on practicing walking, lifting weights and using a stationary bike to improve his mobility.

“We started out very basic to figure out what was safe and right for him to do, and what was appropriate for his development,” said Coil. “To take someone from ground zero and build them up to where he is, will probably be one of the best things I’ve ever done.”

By Thanksgiving, Trent wasn’t using a walker at all. In April, he ran in a unified track meet.

“I love track, and I love running,” said Trent. “Coach Coil is very positive with me, and I just told him, ‘You can get me in the right place, so get it done.’”

This February, Trent reunited with Reese and thanked him for his role in getting him help.

“Trent has this huge, bubbly personality and spreads positive energy, which the world could use a lot more of,” said Reese. “Being the first point of contact that day and seeing what that did for him in his life, I don’t take that lightly.”

Trent says he’s grateful for the support and care he’s received from the staff at Buena Vista High.

“I feel great at Buena Vista High,” said Trent. “The teachers here are the best, that’s all you can ask for.”

For his mom, Deb, that support has been a key part of his progress.

“We’ve had great teachers who make an effort to keep pushing him,” said Deb. “They continue to let him be Trent regardless of his abilities or disabilities. They just welcome him in with open arms and love him.”

Two years after Trent’s life changed, he’s preparing to walk across the stage at graduation on his own. He hopes to attend college, coach sports and one day enter the medical field.

“Trent is loved on such an intense level here by everyone. He gives lots of hugs and is just so positive,” said Carrie Carr, Ed.D., Buena Vista High principal. “I hope this sends a message that our students are going to be taken care of by our staff in every unit.”