Enid Girl Hailed As Hero For Saving Classmate's Life

An 11-year-old is hailed a hero after saving her classmate's life at lunch time in the school cafeteria.

On Friday, Chisholm Elementary School 5th grader Maeli Powell said her classmate started choking on a piece of a corndog.

"Her face was turning red and she couldn't breathe," Maeli said.

The 11 year old took action immediately by putting her arms around her classmate and performed the Heimlich maneuver.

"It made the corn dog bite go on the tray," Maeli said.

News of the rescue was emotional for Maeli's mother to hear.

"I started crying," said Jade Powell, Maeli's mother. "I didn't expect that."

Powell told News 9 Maeli was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome a few years ago.

"She hadn't showed that kind of interest in other children before," said Powell, who called the incident a breakthrough.

Turns out, Maeli learned the Heimlich years ago at school.

"I'll never forget those words," Maeli said.

The 5th grader is now getting use to her new title of "hero."