A rare award was bestowed recently to a local fifth grader for her heroic actions. Girl Scouts of the USA and Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana (GSK) recently honored 11-year-old Girl Scout, Ellie H. of Bardstown, Kentucky, with the organization’s Medal of Honor for saving the life of her father. She was presented with the distinction by GSK CEO, Maggie Elder, during the council’s official business meeting in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
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. GSK is proud to officially recognize Ellie as one of these remarkable heroes.
On November 8, 2023, Ellie was preparing for school like normal. Her dad drives her to school most days. On that day, he began speaking unusually with words that didn’t make sense to her. At first, she thought her father was joking, but when he couldn't say her name correctly, she knew something was wrong.
“My dad didn't want me to worry my mom and he told me not to call, but I got the phone and called her anyway to let her know that something was wrong,” Ellie remembers. “She talked with us [on a video call] until dad dropped me off at school and then she met my dad and took him to the emergency room.”
Ellie’s father was rushed to medical care and neurologists determined that he had experienced a stroke. The doctors said that, if not for Ellie’s fast thinking to recognize the problem, her dad’s stroke could have been much more severe, and the medical outcome would have been worse.
“Through Ellie’s willingness to take decisive action in the midst of an emergency, she not only attempted to save a life, but also served as an example for all Girl Scouts,” said GSK CEO, Maggie Elder. “I commend her for her quick thinking and heroism on that Wednesday morning in November.”
Since 1913 Girl Scouts have been honored for meritorious deeds that have helped save lives. Training in health and safety is a part of the Girl Scout program. All Girl Scouts pledge to a common Promise and Law and are expected to be resourceful, skilled, and competent—demonstrating a presence of mind and service to others. When a nomination is made for the Medal of Honor, many unique factors are considered at a national level to determine if an act is of unusual bravery beyond what may be expected from a Girl Scout.
