By Jim McGaw

PORTSMOUTH — A Melville Elementary School teacher’s aide was recently honored by the school committee for her swift actions that saved a fourth-grader from choking during lunch in October.

During the Nov. 12 meeting, general school aide Ellie Deleon received a formal commendation for what officials called “meritorious action for lifesaving efforts.”

Superintendent Elizabeth Viveiros recounted the incident to the meeting room.

“On Oct. 21, during lunch at Melville, a fourth-grade student began to choke,” Viveiros said. “The student immediately sought help, and without a moment of hesitation, general school aide Miss Elly Deleon responded. Elly performed the Heimlich maneuver and successfully cleared the student’s airway, allowing the student to breathe again.”

“We are incr

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