ADAMS TWP — A custodian who performed the Heimlich maneuver on a Mars Elementary School student was given an award on Monday night for going the extra distance for students every day.

Bob Elliott was awarded the Loretta Woodson Award for outstanding service to students before the Mars School Board at its meeting Monday night.

Peg Harding, a retired Mars teacher and current President of the state Association of School Retirees’ local chapter, presented the Woodson Award to Elliott as his wife and two sons looked on.

Harding said she asked Superintendent Wesley Shipley to choose one teacher and one member of the district’s support staff to receive the Woodson Award.

Shipley chose Elliott as someone who maintains a high standard of quality in his work with a positive, happy-go-lucky attitude that is contagious.

“Bob always has a smile on his face and is willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed,” Shipley said. “He is truly one of a kind.”

Shipley said Elliott noticed a student choking in the cafeteria and applied the Heimlich maneuver.

“His quick response in performing the Heimlich maneuver proved lifesaving,” Shipley said.

Elliott was thrilled to receive the award from Harding, and earned a hearty round of applause from the school board.

“It’s a big honor to get it,” Elliott said.

Shipley chose high school teacher Charlesa “Charlie” Fassinger to also receive the Woodson Award.

Fassinger was unable to attend the meeting because she was busy on Monday night with spring musical rehearsal at the high school.

Shipley said Fassinger has been employed in the district for 28 years as a world language and gifted education teacher.

Fassinger also runs the National Honor Society at the high school.

“Under her direction, the students in the NHS have completed numerous service projects supporting the Mars community and beyond,” Shipley said.

She has also directed the high school’s fall plays and spring musicals for several years.

“No task is too daunting for Charlie,” Shipley said. “She is always willing to support students and staff for the betterment of the district and community.”

Each of the awards came with a plaque, pin and $100 mini grant that Elliott and Fassinger can use within the district for a program of their choosing.

Harding said the award was named for Loretta Woodson, who made a behest upon her death to be used for the support of public education.