Ringgold High School student given award for saving a life
Alex Akins, 16, of Ringgold may be the most popular student at Ringgold High School with the title "Hero" next to his name.
Monday afternoon, Akins received a Life Saver Award in front of his parents and principal.
Two weeks ago inside the school cafeteria, a student nearly died from food that became lodged in his throat. With each passing second, that student came closer to choking to death. While frantic students reportedly ran to get help, Akins jumped into action.
"I did the heimlich maneuver and that seemed to work because all the food inside of him came up and out and got everywhere. It was pretty messy," Akins said.
The 16-year old said he learned the heimlich maneuver from both his mom and dad when he was much younger.
"We just showed him how to do it. They taught us that in the Marines.His mother taught him how to do it also because he watches two little brothers every now and then," said Alex’s father Jay Akins.
Both parents are extremely proud of their heroic son. While Akins received his award, his mom Deidra did her best to hold back tears of joy; the joy of knowing her son saved a life.
"I was so excited. He stepped up. But that’s Alex’s way. He always is out to help other people," said the mom.
Principal JR Jones said watching Alex receive the award was yet another proud moment in school history.
"Here at Ringgold High School, we talk about random acts of kindness; helping students out; helping community members. But this young man went well beyond the call of duty by helping another student and basically saving this student’s life," Jones said.
Akins appears to have a bright future ahead of him. WDEF was told he gets good grades in all his classes and aspires to possibly follow in his fathers footsteps by joining the Marines.
His mother told WDEF that her son is also very interested in computer technology.
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