LEXINGTON, Ky. — Robertson County Superintendent Sanford Holbrook made split-second decisions that likely saved the life of one of the school's teacher's aides.

Joanne Dotson has been a part of Robertson County Schools (RCS) for several years. Every school day, she is a foster granny.

It's a program bringing community members to the classroom or lunchroom, where she spends her time with the third-graders every day. They help with things that can be difficult for smaller children such as finding their seat, staying in their lunch schedule, opening food items and keeping them company while out of the classroom. 

Dotson said in almost five years, she has created a special connection with many children in the halls. The connection is so strong that students call her by her title outside of school, she added. 

“We can go out to the store and/or go into town, and you see the little children that you're in school with," Dotson said. "They're like, 'Look, Mama; it's Memal Joanne." 

Holbrook said in almost a decade, he’s seen compassion for himself. 

“I've been here nine years [as superintendent], and we've had it here ever since," Holbrook said. “They are a very big help to our teachers, especially our teachers K through [third grade] because the little kids take a lot of attention.” 

Recently, Dotson choked in the lunchroom. A fellow aide quickly alerted Holbrook, who stepped in.

Holbrook said teachers and some staff are proficient in the Heimlich maneuver, and their training allowed them to react as fast as possible.

“I've been trained several times on first aid and CPR and stuff, and I just reacted," Holbrook said. "Really, the nerves didn't kick in afterward ... man, this was serious." 

Dotson said not only is she thankful for the quick response but also the support of her students. She added she hopes she’s back eating lunch with them soon, as she is currently on a leave of absence for personal reasons.