A northwest suburban school board plans to honor a school custodian next week for recently saving the life of a high school freshman.
“He saved my life and that’s a pretty big deal.”
The “he” 14-year old Alexis Bennett is talking about is 39 year-old Mike Cruz.
Three weeks ago, as Cruz was cleaning tables in the Crystal Lake South High School cafeteria, Bennett was walking towards him apparently in need of help.
“Wasn’t sure what kind of help," he said." It did take me a couple of seconds to realize she was choking.”
He performed the Heimlich maneuver on the girl, but it didn’t work.
“I just don’t think I used enough force because I was scared to use too much force,” he said.
The second try did it, and the orange chicken Bennett had been choking on popped out.
By that time, a security officer, the vice principal and the school nurse had arrived. Cruz gave Bennett a bottle of water and returned to his job.
Interestingly, Cruz only knew the Heimlich because his wife had had them both take a CPR/Heimlich class three years ago before the birth of their son. He said she’s proud of him.
“I’m almost embarrassed to say this but, on our smart speaker, she would, every time that I’d walk into the room for the weekend, she played 'Hero' by Mariah Carey just kind of messing with me,” Cruz said.
Cruz said he’s no hero. He’s just Mike.
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The custodian has worked at Crystal Lake South High School for nearly two years. He thinks it’s probably a good idea for everyone to learn the Heimlich maneuver, especially if they work at a school.
“Obviously something you never want to have to do but when it comes around you want to be able to do it,” he said.
As for Alexis Bennett, she’s grateful.
When asked if she plans to have the orange chicken for lunch at school again, she answered, “Probably not.”
A spokeswoman for Crystal Lake South High School said Community High School District 155 plans to honor Mike Cruz and award him a plaque at its next board meeting on Tuesday.