Not All Superheroes Wear Capes — Some Wear Cheerleading Uniforms

In Rockwall, Texas, one teenager proved that true heroism can come in the most unexpected moments.

During a homecoming parade in her hometown, 17-year-old high school cheerleader Tyra Winters leapt into action and saved the life of a choking toddler — a moment that turned an ordinary school celebration into a story of courage, compassion, and quick thinking.

Winters, a senior at Rockwall High School, was waving proudly from the top of a parade float when she noticed panic in the crowd. A mother was holding her young son, who was choking on a piece of candy and rapidly turning purple. Without hesitation, Winters jumped off the moving float and ran toward them.

“He was turning purple, so I immediately jumped off the float,” Winters told CBS DFW. “I ran down to the kiddo, and I was like, ‘I got him.’ I grabbed him, tilted him forward, and gave three firm back thrusts — and then he just spit it all out.” (CBS News, 2019)

The toddler, Clarke, could finally breathe again. His mother, Nicole Hornback, was overcome with relief and gratitude.

“I was sitting right next to him. There was no coughing, no noise, no breathing,” Hornback said. “She saved my baby. I commend her for being a teenager and being trained.” (NBC DFW, 2019)

Incredibly, after ensuring the child was safe, Winters ran right back to her float — worried she might miss the rest of the parade. It wasn’t until later that Hornback, still shaken but grateful, shared the story publicly on Facebook, praising the young cheerleader’s bravery.

The post quickly went viral, attracting attention from local media and national outlets. School administrators at Rockwall High arranged a reunion for Winters and Clarke, where the two shared a high-five that symbolized both relief and joy.

“The words you would say to anyone who does something for you is ‘thank you,’” Hornback said. “But that doesn’t seem good enough for what she did.” (Good Morning America, 2019)

Trained, Ready, and Humble

What made Winters’ actions even more remarkable was her preparation. She wasn’t just lucky — she was trained. Winters learned CPR and the Heimlich maneuver while volunteering at her mother’s group home for foster children, where first aid training was a requirement.

That training, combined with her calmness under pressure, made all the difference. “I know they’re calling me the town hero,” she said with a smile. “It’s super exciting to own that title. But most importantly, I’m just glad the boy is OK.” (The Washington Post, 2019)

Winters’ act of heroism inspired thousands of people online and even prompted discussions about the importance of CPR and first aid training among teens. The American Heart Association later highlighted her story as an example of how basic lifesaving knowledge can empower young people to make a real difference in emergencies (AHA Newsroom, 2020).

A Future Doctor in the Making

For Winters, saving Clarke’s life wasn’t just a one-time act — it was a glimpse into her future. She dreams of becoming a pediatric surgeon, driven by her natural instinct to help others.

“I’ve always wanted to work with children,” she told NBC News. “That moment really confirmed for me that I’m on the right path.”

Her community has rallied around her ever since, celebrating her not just as a “hometown hero” but as an example of what empathy, preparation, and courage can look like in everyday life.

As for the little boy she saved, he’s healthy, happy, and still loves candy — just maybe not at parades anymore.

A standing ovation for Tyra Winters, the Texas cheerleader who reminded us that heroes don’t need capes — just heart, courage, and the willingness to act when it matters most.