Southampton - Chase Matzen Rao may be a typical 12-year-old, maybe not, but he is also a local hero. He saved his best friend from choking at lunchtime during the sixth grade class's turn in the cafeteria at the Southampton Intermediate School. The heroic event occurred at the Leland Lane school lunchroom earlier this month.

Rao's best friend, David Conklin, was choking on his lunch but managed to make the international choking sign which alerted his devoted friend. Chase Rao quickly responded by aiding his friend in administering the Heimleich Maneuver. Calmly he stood behind his friend, encircled him with his arms and pushed against his abdominal region. The maneuver was successful, Conklin stopped choking and a potential tragedy was adverted as the young man quickly turned what could have been a life-threatening event into just another day at school as the typical lunchtime chaos resumed in the school cafeteria.

Chase Matzen Rao saved his friend from choking while eating lunch at school.

Both boys were in attendance at the Southampton Town Board meeting on Tuesday evening, apparently having done their homework on this school night before they attended a ceremony held in Rao's honor.

The town board members gathered around as Supervisor Kabot presented a town citation to Chase Matzen Rao who is also an avid trumpet player.

"We give this to you with the highest recognition and praise," Councilwoman Nancy Graboski said. "You heeded the universal call for help to a friend in need."

Rao's mother and a host of family and friends watched proudly from the audience as the modest young man took his award with great humility. He was just helping his friend David.

Now 12 years old, his mother noted as she spoke to reporters in the audience, "he was 11 when he did this."

It was a happy birthday for Chase and his buddy David who are looking forward to enjoying the adventures of a 12-year-old's summer vacation, which is fast approaching.