The Henry County Board of Education recognized Hickory Flat Elementary first-grade teacher Jennifer Fleming for her quick action when she saw one of her students choking at lunch on the second day of the school year.

According to officials, Skylar Jordan was violently coughing and in distress before taking a deep breath and then making no sound, as food became lodged in her throat. Fleming moved behind Jordan and performed the Heimlich maneuver, which dislodged the blockage and restored Skylar’s breathing.

Her “quick action and caring response more than likely saved Skylar from a life-threatening situation,” the board members noted.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com