MIDLOTHIAN, Texas — A lot of kids think school is pointless and what they’re learning will never be useful. Health Science teacher Kara Haley says she’s never known of any student who put her teaching to use.
That was until she got an email from one earlier this summer.
“I did get emotional because as a teacher you never get to hear the full circle of how things happen,” Haley said.
The email came from Julio Ambris, a junior in Haley’s health science class at Midlothian High School. Ambris wants to be an EMT and like every student in Haley’s class, last year he learned CPR.
It’s something he hoped he’d never have to use, at least, not so soon.
Ambris had just gotten gone swimming at a local apartment complex with his sister and her son, his 5-year-old nephew, Anthony. They were about to pack up and leave when Anthony wandered off, back to the pool.
“We looked in the pool and we saw him under the water, just his lifeless body,” Ambris said.
“My other friend who was there at the time she was like, ‘oh my god, somebody call 911,'" Alicia Ambriz, his sister, said.
By the time paramedics arrived there was nothing they could do -- because Ambris had done it first.
Anthony is safe and healthy because immediately after his mom pulled him from the water, Ambris started CPR.
“I’m grateful,” Ambris said. “He’s like the light of our household.”
For his actions, the school district recently recognized Ambris as a hero, a title he’s not entirely sure fits.
“I feel like I was taught how to do CPR and I did it,” he said. “I don’t really consider myself a hero.”
His parents and teacher disagree.
“Yes, that does describe a hero,” said Ambris’ dad, Julio Ambris Sr. “He saved somebody.”
“He was a hero that day,” said Ambris’ mom, Veronica Gonzalez. “If it wasn’t for him, we would not have our grandson here with us.”
“I would think it’s appropriate, cape and all,” said Haley. “He definitely deserves the title of hero.”