MICHAEL KELLY The Marietta Times Decker Sleek, standing by principal Jana Thomas, receives a plaque from Jim Black of Beverly-Waterford Emergency Rescue to honor his actions in helping a neighbor in distress. Decker, a second grader, received the recognition at any assembly Wednesday afternoon at Waterford Elementary School.

WATERFORD — Decker Sleek doesn’t talk, but he knows how to get his point across.

The Waterford Elementary School second grader, who has Down syndrome, was recognized at a full-school assembly Wednesday afternoon for helping a distressed neighbor when no one else was around.

Principal Jana Thomas told the assembly that on March 8 Decker was making his usual after-school visit to Roy and Marsha McCutcheon, neighbors who live two doors down from his home. While passing the house between his home and the McCutcheons’, Decker saw the woman who lives there down on the ground and calling for help. He ran to the McCutcheons’ and began waving his arms, pointing to the house next door. He then fell to the ground as if to imitate someone falling, Thomas said.

The Beverly-Waterford Rescue Squad was called and attended to the neighbor, who suffered no injuries.

Jim and D’Nice Black of the rescue squad presented a plaque to Decker to commemorate his helpful attitude. “Most of the time, we get called after someone has been laying there a while,” Black said after the ceremony. “This time because of Decker they got there right away.”

MICHAEL KELLY The Marietta Times Decker Sleek sits next to his parents, Barbara and Andy Sleek, at a school assembly to recognize his heroism in helping a distressed neighbor. The assembly was held Wednesday afternoon in the gymnasium of Waterford Elementary School.

Black said he became aware of Decker’s story when he was told by Roger Doak, who is also on the rescue squad and on the board of Wolf Creek Local Schools.

Thomas described Decker as having “a heart so big, we love and adore him.”

“He makes coming to school a joy,” said Megan Mast, who teaches K-3 special education.

Lawanda Quimby has been Decker’s classroom aide for two years.

“This is the best job I’ve ever had, and I pray I get him again next year,” she said.

Wednesday also was World Down Syndrome Day.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that involves an additional copy of part or all of one chromosome.

Decker’s parents, Andy and Barbara Sleek, were at the assembly.

“Because he’s non-verbal (Decker communicates with sign language) I was a little surprised at his cognizance about what goes on around him,” Andy said. “He recognized there was a problem and took action to get help.”

The McCutcheons, he said, have helped look after Decker since he was born and he regularly visits the couple, who are sort of surrogate grandparents for him.

“It’s nice to know he can navigate the world,” Andy said.

After the assembly, Decker went around visiting with classmates and staff.

“We call him the mayor of Waterford Elementary,” Quimby said. “He greets everybody.”

Decker Sleek

¯ Second grade, Waterford Elementary School.

¯ Took action to help a distressed neighbor

¯ Recognized with a plaque at school assembly.

MICHAEL KELLY The Marietta Times
Decker Sleek sits next to his parents, Barbara and Andy Sleek, at a school assembly to recognize his heroism in helping a distressed neighbor. The assembly was held Wednesday afternoon in the gymnasium of Waterford Elementary School.

MICHAEL KELLY The Marietta Times
Decker Sleek, standing by principal Jana Thomas, receives a plaque from Jim Black of Beverly-Waterford Emergency Rescue to honor his actions in helping a neighbor in distress. Decker, a second grader, received the recognition at any assembly Wednesday afternoon at Waterford Elementary School.