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A freshman at The Calhoun School was honored recently for his lifesaving display of character in action.

Ja’Keltin McCall received the Children’s Policy Council Character in Action (CIA) August Award for his bravery, quick thinking and willingness to take lifesaving actions to help a classmate.

Principal Nicholas Townsend nominated McCall for the award aimed to highlight students who model good character qualities in and out of the classroom. 

“This Tiger exploded on the scene after just a week or two of school,” Townsend wrote in the nomination. “I first noticed this individual in the class and in the halls always talking and being somewhat annoying and immature as most 9th grade students are. The character of this student appeared and gave a glaring prediction of the man that he will become due to an incident during lunch.”

Townsend explained that ninth graders are typically shy and quiet while they navigate the first few weeks of high school. But McCall is not the typical freshman and showed that right away by his actions in helping a classmate in distress.

“One of our ninth-grade students must have been famished, neglected to chew her chicken nugget completely and began to choke,” Townsend said. “My character in action nominee, Ja’Keltin McCall, leapt into action without hesitation and performed the Heimlich maneuver on the female student. As a result of his quick actions the chicken nugget was dislodged from her throat clearing her airway and possibly saving her life.” 

Shortly after the incident, McCall said he had not performed the technique before, but simply realized something needed to be done. In response, he acted as he had seen others do on television.

“I was getting finished eating and was throwing my trash away and somebody said that she was choking,” McCall said. “She would bend over and grab her throat. So, I ran over and did the Heimlich maneuver. It’s like my body moved on its own.”

The young man recalled being nervous, but despite feeling worried, he was more concerned for his classmate’s wellbeing. His sense of duty and good character outweighed feelings of uncertainty.

“He’s a real hero,” Townsend said. “He showed extreme courage.”

As a CIA recipient, McCall received a certificate and program t-shirt along with a $50 Walmart gift card. The council awards the honor to one student each month who is nominated for displaying good character among his peers.