Merrick Avenue Student Honored for Saving Dad's Life

Victoria Scalli was upstairs in her Merrick home when she heard her father Mark choking, and she used her knowledge she learned earlier in the week at school to save his life.

Back in February, Mark began choking on a piece of Italian bread. As he was gasping for air, his wife Nancy tried to perform the Heimlich Maneuver, but she was unable to help. Victoria had learned earlier in the week how to do it in her Physical Education class, so she came to help. After a few thrusts, Mark was able to cough the bread out.

"I was scared," Victoria said. "I didn't know what was going to happen."

Scalli was honored by Sen. Charles Fuschillo, R-Merrick, and Assemblyman David McDonough, R-Merrick, at Merrick Avenue Middle School Thursday morning. She was given the New York State Liberty Medal for her heroic efforts.

"Victoria Scalli's quick thinking and heroic actions saved her father's life," Fuschillo said. "In a situation which would cause many people to panic, Victoria showed tremendous poise, relied on her training and prevented a tragedy. She is a true hero and it's my pleasure to present her with this well-deserved honor."

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The New York State Liberty Medal is one of the highest civilian honors that a New Yorker can receive. Similar to the national Congressional Gold Medal, the award is given to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic or humanitarian acts and achievements on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers.

"I couldn't be more proud of her," Mark said. "This just shows that everyone should know the Heimlich maneuver, whether you are a kid or an adult."

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