Vikki Lawson never thought saving a life would be the reason she was proud of her son, Josh.

“He broke a football record on Saturday and then this,” Vikki said. “I am one proud, shocked mother.”

Fourteen-year-old Josh Lawson was in Paul Evan’s full Computer Applications class on Thursday, Sept. 17 when he excused himself to use the restroom. When Josh retuned, he passed Evans and noticed something about him didn’t look right. Evans had dropped his papers on the floor and was trying to get Josh’s attention through eye contact. Josh asked if Evans was okay, then realized his teacher was choking. Josh stepped behind Evans and performed the Heimlich Maneuver, thrusting three times and lifting his teacher off the ground. On the third thrust, Josh dislodged the candy Evans was choking on.

Evans had been sucking on a Tootsie Pop and when he got toward the end of the candy he contemplated whether to eat the rest or throw it away. He pulled the stick away and the remaining candy slipped into his windpipe.

Evans described feeling dizzy and horrified. He said after 30 seconds of not being able to breathe he was headed out the door to find another teacher to help him.

Evans said Josh knew what he was doing when he performed the maneuver.

“Most of those kids would know what to do, but I think I was just lucky it was Josh. He learned it and remembered,” Evans said.

Vikki said her son was nonchalant about his help.

“He was so calm, cool and collected, and saved his life,” Vikki said.

Josh’s mom isn’t sure where Josh learned to do the Heimlich, but says Josh has known it “forever” and probably was first exposed to first aid in scouts or as a Four Winds camper.

According to Josh’s mother, “You just never know when you might have to save someone’s life.”

Since the incident, Evans is looking at life slightly differently. He rearranged his classroom and got a haircut. He described feeling he has a new lease on life.

“It feels kinda good,” Evans said.