Principal was tasked to save a choking student for the first time in 20 years of teaching — her response surprised the staff
As educators, teachers and principals are tasked with more than just teaching and disseminating knowledge. They have the duty of imbibing good values and shaping students while taking on the responsibility of being their caregivers during school hours. For Aruca Acabal, principal at La Mesa Elementary, her job, students and teachers were everything to her, per KRQE. She was more than just a principal, and she exhibited this most bravely when she saved the life of a third grader during an unprecedented emergency. After two decades of serving as an educator, she witnessed a crucial event and did not hesitate to act, exercising thoughtful leadership and care.
Having been in the profession for over 20 years and serving at La Mesa Elementary as principal for 7 years, Acabal said every part of her school is important to her. “The kids, the families, the community, the teachers. So yeah, La Mesa is everything,” she remarked. On one of the days, the kids were getting ready for a performance and enjoying their food. Suddenly, a worried staff member rushed to the principal with terrifying news. “He’s choking! He’s choking!” they exclaimed to Acabal. The school nurse had already left, making things more worrisome. “I just didn’t know what to do. I threw my stuff on the floor and followed the EA to the classroom,” she recounted.
Despite having no idea what exactly happened and how she would respond, she took responsibility and rushed to the boy. When the principal reached the student, he was unable to breathe. She wasted no time. “I just reacted, got behind him and performed the Heimlich maneuver. I started doing it, and suddenly I saw a little piece of pizza come out of his mouth,” Acabal recalled. The student was doing fine, and everyone hailed the principal a hero for being composed and determined to help. Albuquerque Public Schools commended the principal with a post of recognition and thanks on Facebook.
“A principal’s job is never done — and La Mesa Elementary’s Aura Acabal proved that most heroically,” the caption read. It continued, “The student was shaken but okay. One teacher summed it up best: “You’re a lifesaver! We’re so grateful for Principal Acabal, who treats every child like family and shows what it truly means to lead with heart.” The principal practiced what she preached and showed that the students and the school are truly her “everything.” When asked if she would do something like it again, Acabal noted that she wouldn’t wish a similar event to occur again. However, if she had to, she wouldn’t hesitate. “Definitely. Definitely. I would always try to do my best,” she said.
Kristy Madrid commented, “She brings so much love to her school community, and they were lucky to have her. She has a drive to do what's best for the children at all times, integrity, unending support and endless hours ensuring every child there has what they need to be successful, above and beyond what many administrators do.” Bethsave Asuncion Guillen Mendoza added, “Amazing things happen at school thanks to an incredible superhero, Ms. Acabal, in all aspects of education, leadership, empathy, and dedication. There’s nothing she won’t do.”