Four young Mountain Top residents who sprang into action last March when their school bus driver was stricken ill received the Pennsylvania American Legion Auxiliary Youth Hero Award in a ceremony at American Legion Post 761, Mountain Top.
Marcia Finn, American Legion Auxiliary District president, presented the awards to Ryan Martinelli, Laine Conway, Kaden Ayre and Max Filchak.
The four Holy Redeemer students received medals with the inscription “Bravery, Courage, Fortitude;” Youth Hero Award certificates; and letters of commendation for their heroic efforts.
“We want to thank you for your efforts and making a difference in your community,” the letter of commendation from Trish Ward, American Legion Auxiliary National Children & Youth chairman states. She notes the award was created to recognize boys and girls who demonstrate a kind, caring act of selflessness.
The four were on a school bus at about 2:45 p.m. on March 21 on Blackman Street in Wilkes-Barre Township when the driver suffered a medical emergency. The bus started rolling backward, striking another vehicle. Martinelli rushed to the front of the bus and pushed the brake pedal with his hands to stop the bus from moving. He and Ayre made sure the bus was stopped and assisted the driver. Meanwhile, Conway and Filchak led the evacuation of the bus and alerted oncoming traffic to the emergency. They kept the bus stopped for several minutes until police arrived.
Martinelli, Ayre, Filchak and Conway also have been selected grand marshals of the 2022 Mountain Top July 4 parade.
