32 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com E very parent remembers the first day that they sent their kid to school. It can be gut-wrenching and anxiety-inducing. When mom Mariesa Eikevik sent her son Mason to school recently, she had no idea the call that she would receive later that day. Mason entered Carolina Park Elementary School like he does every morning and walked into Mrs. Johnnie Williams’ classroom. He started to unpack and decided to have a Jolly Rancher. The candy became lodged in his throat, and he began to choke. Panicking, he ran up to Williams for assistance. She jumped into action right away and used the Heimlich maneuver to save his life while sending a student for help. Williams commented that she was glad that Mason knew to ask for help and indicate what was happening. Once the Jolly Rancher was dislodged and it was clear that Mason was no longer choking, he was taken to the nurse to be fully examined. The class of fifth-graders who witnessed the event were understandably shaken and worried by what had just transpired in front of them. Williams quickly addressed all her students’ questions and reassured them that everything was going to be ok, adding that Mason did the right thing by asking for help so quickly. After parents were contacted and Mason was cleared, he returned to the classroom and the school day continued without a hitch. When the school day ended, Eikevik came to the school to meet with Williams about the event. Williams was fearful that she had hurt Mason in the process, but Eikevik reassured her that she saved his life in that moment. He was alive because of her. In this moment of tenderness, the mother and teacher both broke down in tears while they recounted the events of the morning. The Eikeviks were thoroughly impressed with Williams and her ability to jump into action without hesitation. No parent wants to receive a call that their child has been injured and it is scary to contemplate what the alternative would have been if it weren’t for Williams' heroic efforts. “She was calm and collected,” Eikevik said. “She deserves recognition and praise for something so huge. Not only was she ready to take action, she taught the rest of the day after it happened.” Legally, only six people in the building need to be trained in the Heimlich maneuver. Eikevik added that she was grateful that Williams had this training because she isn’t sure Mason would have been assisted as quickly. His parents also commended Williams for the care and concern that she has shown since the incident. Her genuine concern for Mason as a student as well as a person has further bolstered Eikevik’s adoration of her. Williams exceeded the role of a teacher on that day and stepped up as a hero. Going above and beyond her responsibilities, she showed up for her student in a way that he will never forget. BY CARI LAWSON Jumping into Action Teacher saves student from choking our town
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