A school monitor in Commack is being hailed a hero for saving a second grade student who was choking.

Francesca Augello says she noticed something was wrong during lunch Friday at Woods Park Primary School. Grayson Molina had just taken a bite of pizza and started choking.

"I am a mom of three and my instincts just kicked in," Augello says.

Augello performed the Heimlich maneuver on Molina to stop him from choking.

The second grader's parents met Augello Tuesday and say they are beyond grateful to her.

"Thank gosh she did what she would have done for her children - and she saved our son," said Grayson's mother, Alexa Molina. "And he ran off the bus that day and we were able to give him a hug."

Both of Grayson's parents say they hope this serves as a reminder to all caregivers to know how to perform the Heimlich maneuver.