‘She Saved My Life’: Teacher Praised For Life-Saving Action At School
January 26, 2026
A teacher’s quick response in a Georgia middle school is being applauded after she intervened to save a student choking during lunch.
Credit: Cobb County Schools
On what seemed to be an ordinary day at McClure Middle School in Cobb County, English teacher Valerie Hodge found herself in a life-saving situation when she noticed Dalton Tomberlain, a seventh grader, struggling during lunch.
The situation arose when Dalton was eating a burger and suddenly found himself unable to breathe.
Dalton later explained, “I felt a soreness in my throat, and I couldn’t breathe.”
Observing Dalton with his hands at his throat, Hodge immediately identified the signs of choking and quickly intervened.
Dalton’s mother, Courtney Tomberlain, shared, “From what I understand, he was turning blue.”
“I thought I was going to die a little bit … it was just scary,” Dalton recalled.
Hodge performed the Heimlich maneuver, a technique she had learned during her college years while working at a daycare.
“I didn’t really even think, I just reacted,” Hodge stated. “I saw a student who was in trouble and just went into action.”
The incident has left a lasting impression on the Tomberlain family.
“I can’t thank her enough,” said Courtney. “She didn’t think twice. A situation like that can turn tragic in a second, and I’m so grateful she was there and my son was able to come home from school that day.”
Hodge, who had never imagined using her training in a classroom setting, believes helping students in need is intrinsic to her role as a teacher.
Although Hodge had not taught Dalton before, their lives are now intertwined due to her decisive action.
“I’m really thankful,” Dalton expressed. “She saved my life.”
