WOOD PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL

Sen. Mattera presents school monitor Francesca Augello a New York State Liberty Medal

On the final day of the school year, Senator Mario Mattera visited to Wood Park Primary on Wednesday to honor a local hero.

Sen. Mattera presented school monitor Francesca Augello a New York State Liberty Medal for her quick thinking in applying the Heimlich maneuver to save choking second grader Grayson M. in the school’s cafeteria in March.

Grayson and his family as well as superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox, district clerk Debbie Virga and Wood Park principal Michelle Collison were on hand for the ceremony.

The Liberty Medal is the highest honor that can be bestowed by the New York State Senate.

Grayson also received recognition from Sen. Mattera to recognize his bravery under trying circumstances.

“This is an amazing school district,” Sen. Mattera said.