La Mesa Elementary Principal Saves Student

Posted May 20, 2025, 11:00 AM. Updated May 29, 2025, 10:32 AM.

La Mesa Elementary Principal Aura Acabal jumped into action to help a choking student.

A principal’s job is never done — and La Mesa Elementary’s Aura Acabal proved that in the most heroic way.

After school earlier this month, a third grader began choking on food. Thankfully, Principal Acabal was still on campus. She immediately jumped into action, performed the Heimlich maneuver, and helped the student breathe again.

The student was shaken but okay. One teacher summed it up best: “You’re a lifesaver!”

We’re so grateful for Principal Acabal, who treats every child like family and shows what it truly means to lead with heart.