On March 25th the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation will honor a 17-year-old Boy Scout from Omaha, Nebraska with its American Spirit Award. The award is given to an individual that has exhibited extraordinary skill, professionalism, and a spirit of excellence in a challenging situation.
High School junior, Jack Pape is receiving this high honor for his actions in 2008 when he administered first aid to other Scouts after a tornado hit their Little Sioux Scout Ranch and left many injured. The following year, Pape gave CPR to a boy who had stopped breathing at a hotel swimming pool.
“When I first heard about the American Spirit Award, I was really surprised to be nominated,” Pape said. “It seemed like kind of a big deal. I’m just a normal teenager. I was scared when I was faced with these situations but I didn’t think about it. I just did what needed to be done. There wasn’t really any other option.”
With his parents on hand, Pape will receive the award during a ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery. For his efforts, Pape is also being honored by Boys’ Life magazine. The magazine will feature Pape in an upcoming issue, and have also selected him to serve as an ambassador throughout the remainder of the magazines 100-year anniversary celebration.
SOURCE: Boy Scouts of America