January 20, 2026 — When English teacher Valerie Hodge arrived at McClure Middle School, she assumed it would be a typical day in December.
Instead, right after lunch, she found herself saving the life of a 7th-grade student who was choking and in dire need of help.
"I was eating a burger, and I felt a soreness in my throat, and I couldn't breathe," said McClure student Dalton Tomberlain.
Mrs. Hodge said Dalton had his hands up to his throat, which is when she stepped in and asked if he was okay. After a quick shake of his head signaling no, Hodge knew right away that Dalton was choking.
"From what I understand, he was turning blue and couldn't breathe," said Dalton's mom, Courtney.
"I didn't really even think, I just reacted. I saw a student who was in trouble and asked if he needed help, and just went into action," said Hodge.
Hodge performed the Heimlich maneuver, which she learned years ago while working at a daycare center while in college.
While it was something she never thought she'd have to use as a teacher, it's a skill set that one Cobb County family is incredibly grateful for.
"I can't thank her enough. She took care of business and didn't think twice, and I don't know what the outcome could have been; it could have been a tragic situation for our family. I'll never be able to give her a big enough gift or say enough words, but a situation like that can turn tragic in a second. I'm glad she was there to take care of my son, and he was able to come home from school that afternoon," said Dalton's mom.
Hodge said stepping in is part of who she is as a teacher, which is why she acted so quickly to help Dalton.
While she never sought out praise or gratitude from others, Hodge said it means a lot to hear how much of an impact she made on Dalton and his family.
"I'm really thankful. She saved my life," said Dalton.
Hodge has never had Dalton in any of her classes, but the two of them are now forever bonded through the life-saving moment that introduced them to each other.
