Third Grader Saves Classmate From Choking
Jakwon Walker, a nine-year-old at Adams Elementary, is honored by the Yakima School District for clearing a choking classmate's airway at lunch.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Awards
Yakima School District honored third grader Jakwon Walker for saving a choking classmate's life in the Adams Elementary cafeteria. Walker became the first student in district history to receive the "Save a Life" award, which had previously gone only to staff.
Why it matters
The recognition extends a staff-only honor to a student and highlights that a child can act effectively in an emergency. It also underscores the value of basic choking-response knowledge in Yakima's schools.
Walker is nine years old and a third-grade student at Adams Elementary School in Yakima. He is the first student in Yakima School District history to receive the "Save a Life" award, which had previously been limited to staff.
The players
Jakwon Walker
A nine-year-old third grader at Adams Elementary School who performed the rescue and became the first student to receive the district's "Save a Life" award.
Yakima School District
The public school district serving Yakima, which created the "Save a Life" award and presented it to Walker.
Michaela Moreno
A special education para at Adams Elementary School who was among the first staff responders on the scene.
Jose Contreras
Assistant Principal at Adams Elementary School who was among the first staff members to respond to the choking incident.
The details
Walker noticed his classmate choking on food during lunch in the cafeteria and initially attempted the Heimlich maneuver before switching to back taps. The food came out after he patted the classmate's back, and staff, including special education para Michaela Moreno and Assistant Principal Jose Contreras, were among the first to respond.
Timeline
Thursday afternoon: Walker saves the choking classmate during lunch in the Adams Elementary cafeteria.
Friday: Walker is honored by the Yakima School District for his actions.
Culture Shift
Walker's recognition extends the Yakima School District's "Save a Life" award, which had been reserved for staff, to a child for the first time. The move reflects a broader local practice of honoring everyday emergency response within school communities.
Parents and educators in Yakima may take note that choking response knowledge can save lives in school settings. The district's decision to honor a student signals that emergency preparedness is recognized across all school community members.
The takeaway
Basic emergency response skills, such as back blows for choking, can make a decisive difference before help arrives. Schools and families can reinforce these skills so that children and adults alike know what to do.
Further reading
Explore more local honors in the Awards section.
