Search
Close this search box.

Okaloosa County first grader honored for saving toddler’s life this past summer

A 6-year-old Laurel Hill School student received recognition Tuesday for rescuing a 3-year-old from drowning at a summer pool party.
Contributed photo via OCSD

An Okaloosa County first grader is being honored for his life-saving actions this past summer after rescuing a toddler from drowning.

  • Superintendent Marcus Chambers posted details on social media Tuesday about meeting Kal-El, a 6-year-old student at Laurel Hill School who saved his 3-year-old friend Sebastian at a family pool party.

Kal-El noticed Sebastian floating face down in the pool. He pulled the child from the water, alerted nearby adults and found Sebastian’s mother while his uncle performed CPR.

Sebastian survived because of Kal-El’s quick response.

The district presented Kal-El with a certificate of recognition, a wristband featuring this year’s theme “Be Courageous Everyday, Lead Through the Challenge” and the superintendent’s coin.

“Because of Kal-El’s courage and fast response, Sebastian is alive today,” Chambers said. “You are a true hero and a shining example of the amazing kids in our school district.”

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: August 7, 2026
“1:53, 6 attempts”
Respond
“If you look back to the Commissioners South meeting in August last year Mr.Maddox brought a one year PAWS contract for a vote. He said PAWS admits they may not...”
Respond
“We have been told the water is unsafe. When will the residents be told the cause of this sudden water pollutions? Any updates or information?”
Respond
“When will they learn you cannot outrun a cops radio”
Respond
“The county has to find the $$ somewhere, just like everyone else. Every thing is so expensive bc of the pointless Iran War, tariffs, and other emotional economic policies driving...”
Respond
“Groc makes a lot of sense. I hope the water tests confirm this theory, but How do we fix the hypoxic / anoxic water problem ?? Do we need to...”
Respond
“I am relieved to learn that this sad event is being responded to. Out here in Joe’s Bayou, I have reported smaller oil or fuel spills from vessels. The reaction...”
Respond
“This is what Grok says: A hypoxic/anoxic (low- or no-oxygen) event in the water column and/or sediments, producing toxic hydrogen sulfide (H₂S, the classic rotten-egg/sulfur smell) via sulfate-reducing bacteria. This...”
Respond
“Picture looks like a poo slide to me :-)”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.