Middle School Student Lisa Danielle Weaver received a plaque of commendation and resolutions from Governor Nathan Deal’s office and Georgia House Speaker David Ralston last week for her heroism in saving her mother’s life while choking. Gilmer County Fire Chief Tony Pritchett presented the plaque during last Thursday’s board of commissioners’ meeting, reading the governor’s resolution from the podium:

“Lisa Danielle Weaver sprang into action on the night of May 2, 2013 to save her mother’s life. While the Weaver’s were eating dinner that night, Danielle’s mother began choking as food blocked her airway, unable to breathe or speak. Other members of Danielle’s family tried to dislodge the food from her mother’s throat and failed. Demonstrating exceptional courage and composure, Danielle moved her mother over and used back-force to force the food out. Just a few days before this incident, Danielle and her fellow seventh graders at Clear Creek Middle School received CPR training in what to do when an individual is choking, taught by Gilmer County Fire Department. Lisa’s actions saved her mother’s life that night.”

Prior to reading the resolution, though, Pritchett also recognized three individuals who volunteer for the program that trained Danielle. The three members are: Cathy Green, Ray Hughes, and Jason Richards, who Pritchett called the heart and soul of the program. Pritchett explained the program is a joint effort between the Gilmer County Fire Department and the school system to provide CPR and First Aid training to middle school children. The purpose of the program is to provide the students with the tools and skills necessary to one day help someone in need. Danielle was present at the meeting and had her photo taken with Mr. Pritchett holding her plaque.

“Sometimes it seems like our efforts are not paying off.”

Commissioner Chair J.C. Sanford said,

“And (then) something will come along like this (and) prove us wrong and will gratify the effort we put forth.”