ST. LOUIS – Girl Scouts of the USA and Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri (GSEM) recently honored fourth grade Girl Scout, Evalyn Barger, with the organization’s Medal of Honor after she jumped into action last summer to help save a toddler from drowning in a swimming pool. She was presented with the Medal of Honor by GSEM CEO, Dr. Natissia Small, during a special ceremony at her school, Westridge Elementary, yesterday afternoon.
On July 16, 2022, Barger was enjoying a pool party with her family when cries for help were heard. The attendees had taken a break from swimming to eat, and the children’s floatation devices were removed, but one three-year-old boy wandered back over to the pool and got in unattended. As he began to sink to the bottom, Barger quickly noticed the struggling toddler and alerted her mother. Barger’s mother jumped into the pool and brought the toddler to safety.
A nurse attending the party was able to assess the situation and help the boy remove any water that he may have swallowed before heading to the emergency room for further evaluation. Barger’s situational awareness and quick thinking saved the toddler’s life that summer afternoon when a family get-together took a serious turn.
“I feel so excited to receive this Medal of Honor,” said Barger. “I always try to help others whenever I can, and I love being a Girl Scout!”
The Girl Scout Medal of Honor is given to girls who save a life or attempt to save a life without risk to the girl’s own life. This award is reserved for Girl Scouts who have performed heroic acts beyond the degree of maturity and training to be expected at their age. GSEM is proud to officially recognize Barger as one of these remarkable heroes.
“We are extremely proud of Evalyn for her quick thinking and heroic action,” said Dr. Natissia Small, CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. “She didn’t hesitate to dive in and help someone in need—she is an inspiration to us all and is worthy of this honorable recognition.”
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