FORT WAYNE —  On March 11, 2019, during lunch at West Noble High School, a student began to choke. A fellow student, Titus Allard, noticed and rushed over to help. Allard performed abdominal thrusts until the student could resume breathing.

The American Red Cross awarded Titus Allard the Certificate of Extraordinary Action, which is given to individuals who step up in an emergency and help save or sustain a life.

“If Allard did not act so quickly, the outcome of this situation could have been significantly worse,” said Katherine MacAulay, executive director of the American Red Cross, Northeast Indiana chapter. “Recipients of these lifesaving awards exemplify the mission of the Red Cross to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. They are to be commended for their willingness to help others in distress.”