Brockport student C.J. Piatt’s courage in a moment when a classmate needed help has earned him statewide recognition.

During the Brockport Central School District Board of Education meeting on Oct. 6, C.J. was presented with the New York State School Boards Association’s (NYSSBA) Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Award. The honor recognizes students who demonstrate leadership, initiative and a commitment to making a difference in their schools and communities.

C.J.’s recognition follows a Brockport’s Best Award he received last school year after he calmly performed the Heimlich maneuver to assist a classmate during lunch. His response drew attention beyond the district and ultimately led to his nomination for NYSSBA’s statewide honor.

The award recognizes students who step forward on their own to make a difference — qualities C.J. demonstrated when it mattered most. His statewide recognition celebrates not only what he did that day, but the leadership and character behind it.