CLARKESVILLE – The last day of the school year is generally a day to relax and celebrate, but for students in one fifth-grade classroom at Demorest Elementary there were some scary moments.
That’s because a student in the class got choked on a quarter, but teacher Morgan Jenkins wasted no time coming to the rescue once other students alerted her.
Jenkins, honored by the Habersham County Board of Education this week with the Extra Mile Award, used the Heimlich Maneuver to dislodge the object and restore the child’s breathing.
“I was talking to Morgan just a few minutes ago before we got started,” said Board Vice Chairman Doug Westmoreland. “I wanted to know sort of what happened. She said if it wouldn’t have been for the students in her classroom acting quickly, then she wouldn’t have known.”
The incident happened 20 minutes before school dismissed for summer break.
“She acted immediately, so not only is she a hero, but those students are heroes because they noticed that their classmate was in danger of choking and they went to let her know,” Westmoreland said.
Jenkins, who just completed her ninth year teaching in the school system, is a product of the Habersham County School System.
“I attended Clarkesville Elementary, where I will be teaching this coming school year; North Habersham Middle School and graduated from Habersham Central in 2006,” Jenkins said.
The nomination of Jenkins from Demorest Elementary School Principal Connie Yearwood reads as follows:
“On the last day of school, a student got choked on a quarter. Ms. Jenkins acted quickly and performed the Heimlich Maneuver. Her quick response dislodged the quarter and potentially averted a tragedy. Ms. Jenkins’ dedication to children and our profession are evident in her selfless action to keep children safe. I am honored to serve children alongside Ms. Jenkins.”
