It's time to add a new title for Hazel Akerley, the cafeteria monitor at Liberty Middle School — lifesaver.

Akerley, a 14-year veteran of one of American education's under-appreciated jobs, skillfully administered the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge a chunk of pizza cheese from a gasping student's throat during her usual 10:30-1:30 shift.

The Heimlich "worked just the way it was supposed to," she said, "just like we learned in a workshop years ago from our school nurse."

Akerley's fellow monitor, Diane Smith, "made a mad dash for the school nurse and administration," said Sue Huggler, president of the Liberty Assistants, Monitors and Aides Association in Sullivan County.

"This is a perfect example of how teamwork plays an important part in protecting our students," she said.

Akerley dismissed her lifesaving effort as "just instinct." But the veteran School-Related Professional was grateful for the boy's thanks later.

"School monitors are often overlooked and deserve recognition for their work with kids on a daily basis," said Huggler.

NYSUT Vice President Kathleen Donahue, whose office oversees SRP issues for the statewide union, agreed. "Hazel's actions are just another reminder that SRPs are the hidden heroes in our schools. They change — and sometimes save — students' lives every day."

— Bernie Mulligan