ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - A night of recognition and celebration was held at Parkway School District's Board of Education meeting Wednesday.

Parkway South High School student Carly Lammlein received the rare and prestigious Superintendent Character Award for her extraordinary act of courage. 

On Oct. 31, Carly was driving home when she noticed a man standing outside of his car near the overpass of Big Bend Boulevard and Highway 141. The man was frantically using the universal choking sign. Carly acted immediately, pulling over and administering the Heimlich maneuver, saving the man's life. 

"I was just thinking, 'I need to get out to help this man,' and I wasn't paying attention to anybody else. I was just trying to get myself through it," she said.

The Heimlich maneuver is a critical skill, with statistics showing it saves approximately 4,000 lives in the U.S. each year. Carly credited her school health instructor, who taught her the technique.

"Wow! That was my first thought—amazing. I was just very proud of her to know that she took those skills and used them in real life," teacher Jane Griesenauer said.

Carly's heroic actions not only made her school district proud but also filled her parents with pride.

"It's awesome. I mean, we're so proud of what she did and the initiative that she took. It's kind of scary for little kid to get out, a young kid to get out and try to help someone. You never know what's going to happen, right? So, we're very happy with her and love her so much," Carly's father Jeff said.

The award presentation was just part of the night's excitement. The school district gathered to hear who will lead Parkway Schools next. Current Superintendent Keith Marty, who has served the district for 14 years, announced his retirement in June 2024 and will step down on June 30, 2025.

In a much-anticipated announcement, the board revealed the new incoming superintendent for Parkway Schools will be Dr. Melissa Schneider, starting July 1, 2025.

Schneider brings 27 years of experience in prekindergarten through 12th grade education, including innovative initiatives that boosted graduation rates and expanded career pathways in areas like artificial intelligence.

She is currently assistant superintendent in Colorado's Thompson School District. Schneider is praised for her focus on equity, collaboration, and relationship-building.

She'll work alongside retiring Superintendent Marty through June 2025 to ensure a smooth leadership transition for the district.