Yakima third grader’s quick thinking helps save classmate at Adams Elementary

YAKIMA, Wash. — A third grader at Adams Elementary School in Yakima was recognized after he helped a classmate who was choking.

Jakwon Walker, 9, said he saw his friend in trouble and moved in to help instead of standing by. Jakwon noticed his classmate was choking, started patting the student on the back with one hand, and waving for school staff with the other.

Staff said his actions helped the child breathe again before employees reached them. They also said they were surprised by how quickly he realized something was wrong and stepped in.

“Those kinds of things can go from 0-100 real quick," said Michaela Moreno.

Moreno, a special education para and one of the first staff members to respond, said Jakwon’s response reflected who he is.

“To have that courage and quick thinking like that, it shocked me, honestly. And I was so proud,” said Michaela Moreno.

Jakwon received a Save a Life Award during a school assembly Friday.

For him, the award was not the biggest part. He said what mattered most was that his friend is still here.

“What I was first thinking of was, should I go get a teacher, or should I go help him first? That's when I did this, and I went, "Oh," and then when that didn't work, I patted him on his back, and when I patted him on his back, it came out,” said Jakwon Walker.

Staff said the experience also gave Jakwon more confidence. He also shared a message for others: do not let people make you feel like you do not belong, because helping someone can make a real difference.