Port Isabel student awarded for act of heroism after saving a classmate from choking

PORT ISABEL, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Port Isabel High School student was celebrated due to her act of heroism in a high school cafeteria.

Desiree Vidaurri, a Port Isabel sophomore student, was honored at a Point Isabel ISD board meeting as their first Tarpon Spotlight recipient due to her act of courage.

On Nov. 17, Desiree and her high school friends were having lunch in their high school cafeteria when she noticed one of them fighting for air.

With no hesitation, Desiree sprang into action and performed the Heimlich maneuver, something she said her parents taught her for emergency situations.

The act of heroism was brought to the attention of administrators who said this could have ended up differently if Desiree had not intervened.

Point Isabel Superintendent Theresa Capistran said this lifesaving maneuver is something that could soon be implemented for all students.

Desiree said her friend is extremely grateful for being there in that time of need and said she would do it again if needed.