Killian Student Honored For Life Saving Actions

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A Miami Killian Senior High student who acted quickly and with courage when she saw a fellow classmate get stabbed was honored Thursday by the group "Do The Right Thing."

Areli Jimenez was hailed as a hero for her actions on March 13th when Deandre Johnson, 15, was stabbed by another student in a seemingly unprovoked attack.

As other watched stunned, Areli sprung into action, racing to her friend to help.

"I was there for my friend at a moment of need. Thank God that I was there, when I was there," said Areli.

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Doctors said Johnson had a severed artery and would have quickly bled to death if Areli hadn't applied pressure to the would. Areli is credited with saving his life.

"I have, I have. And his family always tells me and they appreciate me and they say, "Thank you," said Areli.

During Thursday's ceremony, Areli was surrounded by a very proud family.

"We're here to support her and cheer her on and hopefully she continues with this throughout her life, the instinct to do the right thing," said Areli's cousin Vanessa Blanc.

Areli, fortunately, knew the right thing to do.

"I had CPR and first aid training because I work at a day care," said Areli.

She urged everyone to learn CPR and first aid basics. She added that her life-saving moment came at the perfect time.

"I didn't think that I needed it, but it happened to be the week before that, that I actually took the class," said Areli.

Shy and unassuming, she wept as she was recognized by the group and given and all expenses paid trip to Washington D.C.

Areli was among ten students honored by the group.