The Portsmouth School Committee publicly recognized Melville general school aide Ellie De Leon for life‑saving action on Oct. 21. According to the superintendent's remarks, a fourth‑grade student began choking during lunch; De Leon "performed the Heimlich maneuver and successfully cleared the student's airway, allowing the student to breathe again." The superintendent and committee thanked De Leon for her quick response and invited her to be recognized at the meeting with family members present.

Committee members applauded and noted that keeping students safe is a priority. The committee thanked staff and encouraged the community to acknowledge the aide's actions.