May 12, 2026 – The Amarillo ISD School Board recognized some remarkable staff who helped save the lives of students.

On March 6th, during lunchtime at South Georgia Elementary, a student in the cafeteria began choking and was unable to breathe. Custodian Bobby Moya immediately noticed the student in distress and quickly responded by attempting to dislodge the object. Instructional assistant Dominga Criado then stepped in and began performing the Heimlich maneuver. When the object still would not dislodge, instructional assistant Susan Kellison acted without hesitation, running to get the school nurse, Teresa West. Nurse West immediately took over and, after several more thrusts, successfully dislodged the object and restored the student’s ability to breathe. The entire incident lasted less than a minute, but it required teamwork, remaining calm under pressure, and decisive action from multiple trained staff members working together to save a child’s life.

At George Washington Carver Elementary Academy, teachers Breanna Estrada and D’ana Murguia also saved a child who was choking. Mrs. Estrada responded immediately with quick thinking and calm under pressure, successfully performing the Heimlich maneuver to assist the child. At the same time, Mrs. Murguia stepped in to take over the classroom and support the situation, demonstrating professionalism, teamwork, and composure during a critical moment.

In both cases, their actions reflect the very best of Amarillo ISD.