7-year-old Girl Scout receives Medal of Honor for saving brother from choking

Annberly S. (Photo courtesy Girl Scouts)
Annberly S. (Photo courtesy Girl Scouts)

A 7-year-old Lynnwood Girl Scout was recognized in Edmonds Saturday afternoon for her efforts to save her 18-month-old brother from choking earlier this year.

Annberly S., a member of Girl Scout Brownie Troop 43866, received a Medal of Honor from Girl Scouts USA during a ceremony Saturday at Edmonds Methodist Church. Because she is a minor, her parents have requested that her last name not be published.

According to Troop 43866 Leader Elliott Gustavson, the second-grader and her 18-month-old brother Joseph were playing in the bedroom of their Lynnwood home the evening of Jan. 19, 2016, when Joseph started making odd noises. When Annberly turned to him, she saw that his face was changing color.

“Annberly yelled for help, then leapt into action. Imitating what she had seen in a television program, she positioned her brother over her knee and gave him back blows,” Gustavson said.

Added Annberly’s mother: “I ran to the room and found Annberly with Joseph over her knee, hitting his back and yelling for me. She gave him one more blow, and a small eraser came flying out of his mouth.” She said her daughter was in tears, clearly terrified for her brother.

The Medal of Honor is a lifesaving award given by Girl Scouts of the USA to girls who have saved or attempted to save a human life under circumstances that indicate heroism, and is reserved for those who have performed heroic acts beyond the degree of maturity and training to be expected at their age.

Gustavson submitted the application on the Girl Scout’s behalf, after which Girl Scouts of Western Washington approved the application and forwarded it to Girl Scouts of the USA.

“I am so proud of Annberly’s quick thinking, leadership instinct and reliance on skills consistent with Girl Scouting,” Gustavson said. “It’s unusual for a Girl Scout this young to receive the Medal of Honor.”

Girl Scout Brownie Troop 43866 has troop members in Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood and Everett. The girls are in second and third grades.

 

 

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