Finger Lakes Today

Senator Helming presented Marcus Whitman Central School District teacher aide Wendy Boyer with the New York State Senate Liberty Medal for her heroic action in saving a student’s life. The Liberty Medal is awarded to individuals who have earned special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers. It is the highest civilian honor that can be bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate.

On May 15, 2024, Boyer was assisting in the Middlesex Valley Primary School cafeteria when she was alerted to a child choking. She performed the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge food from the student’s throat. Boyer’s quick response not only stopped the choking but cleared the obstruction, ensuring the student's safety and well-being.

Boyer is not officially First Aid/CPR certified; she attended a Good Samaritan class to learn more about these life-saving measures.

Senator Helming stated, “Stories like Wendy’s make us all think about what we would do in that same situation. Her decisive, calm, and deliberate actions saved the life of this young student and assured other children that they were safe and the emergency was under control. Teachers are truly special people who put the needs of their students first. Wendy Boyer is a hero and an example for all of us.”

Wendy Boyer commented, “I was just doing my job. I was notified by another staff member that a student was choking. I jumped in to help just like anyone would. It’s important that we all understand the skills and how important it is to help out.”

Dr. Christopher Brown, Superintendent of Marcus Whitman CSD said, “Mrs. Boyer considers herself to be the anti-hero and feels that she did what anyone else would do in the same situation. From experience, I can tell you that is not the case. She IS a hero to our school, community, child, and parents of the child. Thanks to her quick actions, we will never need to think about what could have happened. She saved a life.”