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Custodian John Thomas credited with saving choking student at Pleasant Acres
Summary
Rantoul City Schools honored John Thomas, a Pleasant Acres head custodian and CPR instructor, after he performed the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge an obstruction and save a student. The board presented a public recognition and Thomas described his training and motivation.
The Rantoul City Schools Board of Education publicly recognized John Thomas—known in the schools as “Mister JT”—after administrators said he performed the Heimlich maneuver during lunch and cleared an obstruction that left a student safe.
At the meeting, a district official said: "Because of him, a family went home that day with their child safe." Thomas, who was introduced by the board as John Thomas and identified as the head custodian at Pleasant Acres, told the board he is "a current CPR instructor for the American Heart" and described the incident as part of his duty to keep students safe. He thanked school leaders and family members who supported him.
School leaders used the recognition to highlight that every adult in school buildings contributes to safety, noting that quick action and training can prevent fatal outcomes in choking incidents. The board and staff encouraged others to maintain first-aid readiness and acknowledged Thomas for stepping in without hesitation.
