ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A sixth-grade student at Parkview Middle School received a prestigious honor from the Girl Scouts in recognition of her heroism when her mother suffered a medical emergency.
During a ceremony at the Ashwaubenon Village Hall on Tuesday, Ashlee McGee was awarded the Girl Scouts’ Medal of Honor — a “Lifesaving Award” considered one of the highest accolades a scout can receive.
When McGee’s mother suddenly began experiencing symptoms of a stroke back in April, the 10-year-old girl recognized the irregular facial features and impaired speech her mother was experiencing.
She alerted her older sister and the pair contacted emergency services. When the situation became too much to handle for her sister, McGee took charge and assumed responsibility for the 911 call.
McGee maintained her composure as she relayed critical information to the operator, describing her mother’s symptoms and performing tasks as directed by the dispatcher until medical professionals arrived.
“Girl Scouts is privileged to present Ashlee McGee with the National Medal of Honor award, symbolizing her selflessness, quick thinking, and unwavering commitment to helping others. Ashlee’s exemplary act inspires girls everywhere, illustrating the profound impact that one person, regardless of age, can have on their community.”
Earning a Lifesaving Award requires a comprehensive application summarizing the emergency event. The honor is exceptionally rare.
McGee’s troop leader, Annie, nominated her for the award. “Ashlee, to tell you how proud we are, there aren’t words. I know you don’t think it’s a big deal… but it is, and we are so proud,” she said.
The Girl Scouts handbook “How Girls Can Help Their Country” written in 1913 describes two medals girls could attain for meritorious lifesaving actions.
110 years later, the tradition of recognizing scouts’ gallant and heroic deeds during emergency situations continues.
The Medal of Honor is given when a girl exhibits extraordinary courage and resourcefulness in saving a life, or attempting to save a life, when her own life is not at risk.
Similarly, a Bronze Cross is presented when a scout shows bravery in facing extraordinary danger to save a life or attempt to save a life.
“I’m just very proud of her. It took a lot, especially for someone her age, to do what she did and not panic. Because at her age, if something happened to me like that, I would not know what to do. I would have completely panicked,” said Danielle McGee, Ashlee’s mother.
“She doesn’t feel like she did anything extraordinary, but she really did. It makes me very happy to know that she’s able to do such wonderful things… I’m very happy to have her as my daughter.”
“I’m very happy to have her as my daughter.”
McGee is in her third year as a junior scout with the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes.
