Playground Hero: Girl Scout Rescues Struggling Classmate

Meet Emma Fritz. 8-year-old. Soccer player. And recipient of the Girl Scouts of the USA Medal of Honor for the life-saving service she rendered to a struggling playmate.

Emma was playing during an after-school program at her Deer Creek elementary when she learned a boy was hanging by his neck. The six-year-old was accidentally entangled in a rope that has since been removed from the zipline feature of the playground. He was unable to breathe or escape, but Emma didn’t hesitate.

Rushing to the boy’s side, Emma initially tried lifting him from the waist but quickly moved to his legs for more leverage. Her level-headed approach enabled him to free his neck, and he was safely on the ground by the time teachers arrived.

“I just knew that he needed help, so I helped him,” Emma said. “I told my friend to go get a teacher and I lifted him as much as I could and tried to get him out of the rope.”

Though her mother says Emma is entirely unexpectant of accolades for her actions, the Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma Brownie humbly accepted the Medal of Honor during a May ceremony. The national award is given to a Girl Scout who demonstrates presence of mind and “true Girl Scout spirit” in an emergency, beyond what is expected for her age.

“Emma didn’t understand why everyone was making such a big deal of what she did,” said Emma’s mother, Nicole Fritz. “I’m so proud of her and I think that a lot of her experiences in Girl Scouts have helped her be aware of her surroundings and concerned with the safety of those around her.”

“We are building girls of courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place,” said Janienne Bella, CEO of Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma. “Emma showed all three in what could have been a tragic situation. Because of her, it wasn’t. We couldn’t be prouder of our girl.”

Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma accepts girls year round, offering pathways to explore STEAM< healthy lifestyles and activities, summer camps, community service and more avenues to make the world a better place.

“We work hard to take away any barrier a girl might have to join, whether through grants for membership fees and uniforms, or just talking to families to answer any questions they may have about our programs,” said GSWO Chief Product Program and Marketing Officer, Judi Startzman. “Emma showed us all what can happen when a girl truly possesses the courage, confidence, and character we strive to build!”

Learn more about Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma at gswestok.org.