2 Choking Students Saved By Fast-Acting Hillsborough Staff Members

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Two Hillsborough students are alive thanks to the fast actions of two school employees who used the Heimlich maneuver to save them from choking.

Vice Principal of Auten Road Intermediate School Jennifer Battista and Sunnymead Elementary School Lunch Aide Teresa Tighe were both honored at the Monday night Board of Education meeting by Acting Superintendent Dr. Kim Feltre.

"Thank you is hardly enough to show our gratitude to Mrs. Battista and Mrs. Tighe for your training and willingness to step in and help in such a crucial time. It demonstrates your bravery and kindness. We are very lucky to have you in our schools," said Feltre.

On Dec. 14, 2021, Battista was "in the right place at the right time" when she performed the Heimlich on a student in the cafeteria, said Feltre.

Battista, who has served in the district for 18 years, said a student flagged her down to alert her of the choking student.

"I am very thankful for that student. I met with him afterward and commended him for his bravery and for doing the right thing when someone was in crisis. It is a real testament to our students here as well.," said Battista.

On March 15, 2022, Tighe who was in the cafeteria took action to save the life of a choking student, said Feltre.

"As a lunch aide, our responsibility is to provide the children with a happy and healthy lunch period and most of all safe. And I am happy that I could be there," said Tighe. "I am happy his friend actually flagged me down because the lunch room is pretty busy… most of all I am happy the boy was OK."

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