Delegate Webert Visits School, Presents Virginia State Flag Flown Over the Capitol
On Thursday, October 12, 2023, Emerald Hill Elementary School (EHES) had a special visit from Virginia Delegate Michael J. Webert. Delegate Webert came to the school to recognize a fourth-grade student, Makayla Gray, and paraeducator, Rodney Stewart, for life saving efforts in the school cafeteria on September 19, 2023.
Tuesday, September 19 seemed like an ordinary day during fourth grade lunch in the Emerald Hill cafeteria, until nine-year-old Makayla Gray saw a classmate in trouble. Makayla recognized that it was an emergency and started yelling for help. Emerald Hill paraeducator Rodney Stewart heard Makayla and sprang into action. Mr. Stewart saw that the child was choking, so he responded with abdominal thrusts, which dislodged the food and saved the child.
After this occurred, EHES teacher Aimee Morehead, who is new to CCPS this year, came to Emerald Hill Principal, Dr. Tori Gelbert, and said that CCPS should have an award for Makayla and Mr. Stewart. Dr. Gelbert explained that CCPS does have an award called the CCPS Spotlight, that was created for none other than Mr. Rodney Stewart in 2021. At that time, Mr. Stewart went above and beyond to help a parent in need. Dr. Gelbert was so moved by Rodney’s example of kindness that she felt compelled to share the story with the Central Office. She said that Rodney is “a wonderful guy who deserves recognition for his kind heart and bright light.” Rodney’s story and his bright light became the catalyst to the creation of the CCPS Spotlight recognition that continues to be awarded today.
Since Mr. Stewart had already earned the CCPS Spotlight, Dr. Gelbert thought of another idea to recognize Makayla and Mr. Stewart. She contacted Delegate Webert’s office to inquire about having a Virginia State flag flown over the Capitol in their honor. The Delegate’s office not only arranged to fly the flag, but Delegate Webert himself offered to come to the school to present the flag.
So, on October 12, 2023, at EHES, with their families and the entire fourth grade in attendance, Delegate Webert called Makayla and Mr. Stewart to the front of the gym and explained, “We had a flag that was flown over the Capitol of the Commonwealth in Richmond flown for you for your care and recognizing the emergency situation and helping take care of your classmates.” He then presented the flag to Makayla, and a certificate of commendation from the House of Delegates to Makayla and Mr. Stewart.
In 2021, Dr. Gelbert said, “This is the type of person Rodney is…he continues to do things out of the goodness of his heart to help anyone in need.” In 2023, Rodney continues to be that person, and his example is rubbing off on the students around him.
CCPS is grateful for Mr. Stewart and Makayla for recognizing an emergency situation, and acting quickly to save another.
