Today, the AWESOME is in Georgia. Valerie Hodge, an English teacher at McClure Middle School in Cobb County, had no idea her day would take such a dramatic turn. Shortly after lunch, she noticed a seventh-grade student, Dalton Tomberlain, clearly in distress. Dalton had been eating a burger when something went wrong. Ms. Hodge saw Dalton clutching his throat and instantly recognized the signs of choking and jumped into action. Without hesitation, Hodge performed the Heimlich maneuver — a skill she learned years earlier while working at a daycare during college. “I didn’t really even think, I just reacted,” Hodge said. “I saw a student who was in trouble and just went into action.” Interestingly, Hodge had never taught Dalton in any of her classes. Still, the two are now forever connected by the split-second decision that made all the difference. “I’m really thankful,” Dalton said. “She saved my life,” and THAT’S AWESOME!